JP2024075389A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine that can increase interest in games during big win games. [Solution] A winning sound is played as a notification effect using first sound data corresponding to an over-winning ball that was detected first, and second sound data corresponding to an over-winning ball that was detected later. The first sound data is composed of only sound, whereas the second sound data is composed of silent parts and sound parts. With this configuration, in the notification effect based on the N+2th gaming ball, the winning sound is actually played as a "sound" after the silent period has elapsed, so the sound output is delayed. As a result, the winning sounds corresponding to the N+1st and N+2nd over-winning balls are not played in duplicate. [Selected Figure] Fig. 29

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Conventionally, in pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, it is known that an over-winning effect is executed when a so-called "over-winning" occurs, in which more than a set number of gaming balls enter the big winning slot (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-86100 A

In pachinko gaming machines capable of executing over-winning effects in this manner, there was room for improvement with respect to the timing of execution of the over-winning effects for each winning ball and the contents of the effects.
The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can increase interest in the game during a big win game.

To achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a hit determination means for determining whether or not a hit has occurred when a gaming ball enters a starting hole, a hit game execution means for executing a hit game in which a round game in which a special winning means is opened is repeated a predetermined number of times when the result of the determination by the hit determination means is a hit, and a detection means for detecting a gaming ball that has entered the special winning means, and in one round game, the special winning means is closed when the number of gaming balls detected by the detection means reaches an upper limit number or when an upper limit time has elapsed, and when the number of gaming balls detected by the detection means reaches the upper limit number and the closing condition of the special winning means is established, the gaming machine further has an announcement effect execution means for performing an announcement effect for each gaming ball, and the announcement effect execution means is characterized in that it delays the output timing of an announcement effect based on a gaming ball that was detected later among the gaming balls detected beyond the upper limit number.

The gaming machine according to the present invention having the above configuration can increase the interest in the game during the jackpot game.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko game machine. 2 is a top view showing the vicinity of the ball supply tray of the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices. FIG. An explanatory diagram of a special chart variation pattern selection table. 4 is a flowchart of a main-side main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart jackpot determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a special chart variation pattern selection process. 12 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 11 . 13 is a flowchart of special pattern change processing. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing various setting screens. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a volume correspondence table. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing level meter screens when different maximum volumes and pitch ranges are set. 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams showing various setting screens in the second embodiment. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing level meter screens when different maximum and minimum volumes are set in the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram of a preview performance selection table in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart of the preview performance content selection process in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the correspondence relationship between the volume level after change and the number of amperes in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a winning sound determination table in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing first voice data and second voice data in the fifth embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the flow of notification presentation in the fifth embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the flow of another notification presentation in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a level meter screen as a modified example.

First Embodiment
A pachinko game machine as a game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of each part of the pachinko game machine is based on the direction seen by a player playing opposite the pachinko game machine. Specifically, the left-right and up-down directions of each part of the pachinko game machine are based on the left-right and up-down directions seen by the player. In addition, the direction approaching the player based on the pachinko game machine is the front, and the direction moving away from the player is the rear.

[Main components of a pachinko machine]
As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes a machine frame 16. The machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in that order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a performance lever 6, a speaker 8 as a sound output means, a performance button 9, a left side lamp 23a, a right side lamp 23b, a ball supply tray (also called an upper tray) 24, and a surplus ball receiving tray (also called a lower tray) 25.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player facing the pachinko machine 1 can grip it with his/her right hand. The handle 4 is equipped with a touch switch 92 (FIG. 3), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is located at a position where the right hand of the player gripping the handle 4 can touch. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the strength of the firing of the game balls, and is provided rotatably on the handle 4. The firing stop button 4b is for stopping the firing of the game balls when they are being fired, and is provided at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand gripping the handle 4.

The effect lever 6 is provided on the front frame 18 to the left of the surplus ball tray 25, that is, near the lower left end of the front frame 18. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in a position on the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with his left hand. The effect lever 6 is shaped so that it can be held in the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as tilted in four directions, up, down, left and right. The effect lever 6 is also provided with an effect lever vibration motor 6c (Figure 4). The effect lever vibration motor 6c vibrates the effect lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the effect lever 6 during the period when the operation of the effect lever 6 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is triggered by the operation of the effect lever 6 is called a lever effect.

The speakers 8 are provided at the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the performance.
The performance button 9 is provided in a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper part of the ball supply tray 24. In other words, the performance button 9 is provided in a position of the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press the button with the right or left hand. The performance button 9 is also provided in a position of the front frame 18 where the player can press the button with the right hand while operating the performance lever 6 with the left hand. The performance button 9 can be, for example, a push-on button switch. The performance button 9 has a performance button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 4) and a performance button lamp 9c (FIG. 4) built in. The performance button vibration motor 9b vibrates the performance button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is effective. In this embodiment, the performance button lamp 9c is an LED. The performance button lamp 9c can emit multiple colors, and when the performance button 9 is pressed during the period when the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is effective, it lights up or blinks depending on the performance content, and further changes the light emission color. The surface of the effect button 9 is made of a translucent material so that the light emitted by the effect button lamp 9c can be seen by the player.

The effect button 9 has a built-in elastic member such as a spring (not shown) for returning the pressed effect button 9 to the position it was in before it was pressed, and when the pressed state is released, the elastic member's restoring force causes the effect button 9 to return to the state it was in before it was pressed. When a player presses the effect button 9 while the pressing of the effect button 9 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed as a result of the operation of the effect button 9 is referred to as a button effect.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. The front frame 18 in the portion where the left side lamp 23a and right side lamp 23b are provided is translucent, and multiple LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED is capable of emitting multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and also changes the emitted color.

The ball supply tray (also called the upper tray) 24 is provided at the lower center of the front frame 18. The ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls paid out from the ball loan payout device 80 (Figure 3) and the prize ball payout device 400 (Figure 3), or for storing game balls to be supplied to the launching device 90 (Figure 3). The surplus ball receiving tray (also called the lower tray) 25 is provided below the ball supply tray 24 on the front frame 18. The surplus ball receiving tray 25 stores game balls that exceed the number that can be stored in the ball supply tray 24.

In addition to the effect button 9, an operation button 36 is arranged around the ball supply tray 24.
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation button 36 is composed of a cross key for instructing up, down, left and right directions, and is operated when various settings related to the pachinko game machine 1 are performed. In this embodiment, for example, while the level meter screen G2 (see FIG. 19(a)) is displayed, the volume value (volume level) of the sound output from the speaker 8 can be changed by operating the operation button 36. Note that other level meters (brightness of the backlight of the performance display device 7, intensity of the light of the frame lamp, type of BGM, selection of characters used in the performance, strength of vibration of the button, presence or absence of operation of the role object, etc.) may also be changed by operating the operation button 36. Details of the operation of changing the level meter M on the level meter screen G2 will be described later. Note that an operation lever or a touch panel may be used as the operation button 36. In addition, the operation button 36 does not necessarily need to be provided around the ball supply tray 24, and may be provided at another position as long as it is a position where the player can operate it. In this embodiment, the operation button 36 is an example of the "operation means" in the present invention. In addition, in the following description, among the various directional buttons constituting the operation button 36, the button corresponding to the upward direction may be referred to as the "upward operation button 36x," and the button corresponding to the downward direction may be referred to as the "downward operation button 36y."

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and a performance display device 7.
The game board 2 is located approximately in the center of the pachinko game machine 1, that is, in a position that is approximately directly opposite the face of the player. The front of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. The performance display device 7 is located behind the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from approximately the center of the game board 2.

On the surface of the game board 2, a game area 3 is formed in which game balls flow (roll). The game area 3 has a left game area 3A formed on the left side of the screen of the performance display device 7, and a right game area 3B formed on the right side of the screen of the performance display device 7. A number of game nails (not shown) are driven into the surface of the game board 2 to change the direction in which the game balls flow down. LEDs are provided in a number of places on the game board 2, and in FIG. 4, these LEDs are collectively referred to as "board lamps 2a." Each LED that constitutes the board lamps 2a can emit multiple colors, light up or blink depending on the performance content, and also change the emitted color.

The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a gate 12, a general winning port 13, a center decoration 14, a movable body 15, a rail member 17, a general variable winning device (also called an electric chute) 20, a large winning device 30, and displays 50.

The fixed winning device 10 is located approximately in the center of the game board 2. The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting hole 11 through which game balls can enter (win) one at a time. The first starting hole 11 is always open, and the probability that a game ball will win in the first starting hole 11 does not change much. The gate 12 is located in the right game area 3B, and is configured to allow game balls flowing down the right game area 3B to pass through. The general winning hole 13 is located in the left game area 3A, to the left of the fixed winning device 10.

The center decorative body 14 is placed at the top of the game board 2. The center decorative body 14 is translucent, and on its inside are provided multiple LEDs that light up or flash depending on the performance content. The movable body 15 is placed behind the center decorative body 14. Figure 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is almost hidden by the center decorative body 14. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing depending on the performance content, and displaces into a state that is visible to the player.

The rail member 17 is disposed along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides game balls launched by a launching device 90 (FIG. 3) to the game area 3. An outlet 19 is opened in the center of the lower part of the game board 2 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere.

The normal variable winning device 20 is located below the gate 12 in the right game area 3B. The normal variable winning device 20 is equipped with a movable member (electric tulip) 21. The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable around the base end as a rotation axis, and the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed by the opening and closing operation of the movable member 21. When the movable member 21 opens, the second starting hole 22 is opened, and the game balls are easily entered (entered) into the second starting hole 22 one by one. When the movable member 21 closes, the second starting hole 22 is closed, and the game balls cannot enter the second starting hole 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the normal variable winning device 20 is located to the right of the game area 3, but it may be located below the fixed winning device 10.

The large prize device 30, which serves as a special prize means, is located in the right game area 3B, to the right of the fixed prize device 10. The large prize device 30 is equipped with an opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes the large prize opening 32. The large prize opening 32 is formed to a size that allows multiple game balls to enter (become a prize). The opening/closing member 31 is formed in a long plate shape in the left-right direction, and is configured to be rotatable around the left and right lower ends as rotation axes.

As mentioned above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the firing strength of the game ball can be adjusted by adjusting the firing strength of the handle 4. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the game ball can be hit so that it flows down the left game area 3A or the right game area 3B. When the game ball is fired toward the left game area 3A, it can win in the first start gate 11 or the general winning gate 13. On the other hand, when the game ball is fired toward the right game area 3B, it can win in the gate 12, the second start gate 22, or the big winning gate 32.

The display devices 50 are provided on the game board 2 outside the game area 3 and below the big prize device 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern display device 51 that variably displays the first special pattern (first special pattern), a second special pattern display device 52 that variably displays the second special pattern (second special pattern), and a normal pattern display device 53 that variably displays the normal pattern (normal pattern). Furthermore, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern reserve display device 51a, a second special pattern reserve display device 52a, and a normal pattern reserve display device 53a. The first special pattern reserve display device 51a displays the number of reserved activations stored in the first special pattern display device 51. The second special pattern reserve display device 52a displays the number of reserved activations stored in the second special pattern display device 52. The normal pattern reserve display device 53a displays the number of reserved activations stored in the normal pattern display device 53. Hereinafter, when describing matters common to the first special pattern and the second special pattern, they will simply be referred to as special patterns. Also, when describing matters common to the first special pattern display device 51 and the second special pattern display device 52, they will simply be referred to as special pattern displays.

Each of the special symbol displays 51, 52 is composed of multiple LEDs. Each of the LEDs constituting each of the special symbol displays 51, 52 lights up in a predetermined lighting pattern, and the combination of the lit and unlit LEDs represents the special symbol, and the state in which the combination of lit and unlit LEDs changes represents the changing display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the changing pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts to change and is displayed until the special symbol is finally displayed is referred to as the special symbol changing pattern.

The normal symbol display 53 is composed of multiple (for example, two) LEDs. The LEDs that are turned on and off represent normal symbols, and the alternating lighting of the LEDs represents the variable display of the normal symbols. When the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery is performed for determining whether or not a normal symbol is a win, and the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal symbol display 53 started to display the variable normal symbol, the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol. If the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the normal variable winning device 20 is activated to open the movable member 21, and the second starting hole 22 is opened.

When a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, and the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol in a variable manner. Then, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first special symbol display started to display the variable manner of the first special symbol. If the first special symbol displayed in a variable manner is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the big prize winning device 30 is activated, the opening and closing member 31 is opened and closed, and the big prize winning hole 32 is opened and closed. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the winning is suspended. Then, the memory number indicating the number of operations suspended is displayed by the first special symbol suspension display 51a. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the first special symbol display 51 will be referred to as the first special symbol reserved number.

When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second special symbol display 52 started to variably display the second special symbol. Here, if the second special symbol displayed as a fixed symbol is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the big prize winning device 30 is activated, the opening and closing member 31 is opened and closed, and the big prize winning hole 32 is opened and closed. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is variably displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 triggered by the winning is reserved. Then, the memory number indicating the number of reserved operations is displayed by the second special symbol reserved display 52a. Hereinafter, the memory number of reserved operations of the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as the second special symbol reserved number. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special pattern reserved number and the second special pattern reserved number, it will simply be referred to as the special pattern reserved number. Hereinafter, one change of the special pattern is defined as the period from when the special pattern display starts to display the special pattern change to when the special pattern is finally displayed. In addition, the reduction of the special pattern reserved number by one each time the special pattern changes is referred to as the consumption of the special pattern reserved number.

Next, the performance display device 7 will be described.
The performance display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as performance images, message images, and demonstration images (demo images). The player plays the game while viewing these images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1. The performance display device 7 performs the variable display of the performance patterns so as to synchronize with the variable display of the special patterns. The performance patterns are patterns representing Arabic numerals (for example, 1 to 10). The performance patterns may include patterns representing characters other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, or may be combined with patterns representing characters other than numbers. As areas in which the performance display device 7 displays the variable performance patterns, a left performance pattern display area, a center performance pattern display area, and a right performance pattern display area are set in order from the left. The left performance pattern display area displays the left performance pattern 7L, the center performance pattern display area displays the center performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern display area displays the right performance pattern 7R. In the following, when describing matters common to the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area, they will simply be referred to as the performance pattern display area.

The main change pattern (change mode) of each performance symbol is a change pattern in which the numbers represented by the performance symbol move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a change pattern in which the symbols scroll vertically. Note that other change patterns may also be used, such as a horizontal scrolling method in which the performance symbol moves from the left or right side of the screen to the other, or a method in which the performance symbols are displayed in ascending order at the same display position. The performance display device 7 also displays a background image as the performance image behind each performance symbol. For example, the background image may be a moving image from a television drama or movie, an animated moving image of that moving image, animation, or an original moving image created by the pachinko game machine manufacturer. The performance display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. Note that an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like may also be used as the performance display device 7.

The effect display device 7 changes and displays each effect pattern in synchronization with the changing display of the special pattern, and at the same time as the special pattern is displayed as a fixed pattern, it displays each effect pattern as a fixed pattern and displays the result of the big win determination. Here, the fixed display refers to a stopped display state in which the effect patterns are completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or changing again.

Hereinafter, the combination of the performance symbols that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is referred to as the combination of the jackpot performance symbols, and the combination of the performance symbols that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss is referred to as the combination of the miss performance symbols. The combination of the jackpot performance symbols is a state in which each performance symbol is aligned with a performance symbol that represents the same number, that is, a state of a repeat number. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the left performance symbol 7L, the center performance symbol 7C, and the right performance symbol 7R that are displayed as confirmed are all aligned with "7". Also, the combination of the miss performance symbols is a state in which each performance symbol is not aligned with a performance symbol that represents the same number, that is, a state in which the performance symbols are not aligned with a repeat number. For example, the left performance symbol 7L that is displayed as confirmed is "7", the center performance symbol 7C is "6", and the right performance symbol 7R is "7". Hereinafter, the change pattern of the performance symbol that the performance display device 7 changes and displays in synchronization with the special symbol is referred to as the performance symbol change pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the performance symbol change pattern is referred to as the background image. The background image can be a still image or a moving image.

In addition, in the performance display device 7, the display of the changing performance symbols is synchronized with the display of the changing special symbols, so when the operation of the special symbol display device is put on hold, the operation of the performance display device 7 is also put on hold. In other words, the number of pending operations of the special symbol display device and the number of pending operations of the performance display device 7 are the same.

As shown in FIG. 1, the performance display device 7 is provided with a first performance hold display area 51B and a second performance hold display area 52B. The first performance hold display area 51B and the second performance hold display area 52B are areas for displaying performance hold images for expressing the number of operation holds of the performance display device 7 by the number of images. The player can know the first special chart hold number by counting the number of performance hold images displayed in the first performance hold display area 51B. Similarly, the player can know the second special chart hold number by counting the number of performance hold images displayed in the second performance hold display area 52B. Incidentally, when the first special hold number or the second special chart hold number is "0", the performance hold image is not displayed in the first performance hold display area 51B or the second performance hold display area 52B. Hereinafter, the performance hold image displayed in the first performance hold display area 51B may be referred to as the "first performance hold image 51b". Similarly, the performance hold image displayed in the second performance hold display area 52B may be referred to as the "second performance hold image 52b".

The first performance pending display area 51B is set in the lower left of the performance display device 7, and the second performance pending display area 52B is set in the lower right of the performance display device 7. In addition, on the performance display device 7, the variable display area 54B is set between the first performance pending display area 51B and the second performance pending display area 52B. The variable display area 54B is an area for displaying the performance pending image as the variable image 54b.

In the first performance pending display area 51B, as the number of activation pendings increases, the number of first performance pending images 51b increases from right to left on the performance display device 7 in proportion to the increase. In other words, the first performance pending image 51b located on the far right in the first performance pending display area 51B is the oldest information, and the first performance pending image 51b located on the far left is the newest information. Then, when the pattern change begins, the first performance pending image 51b located on the far right moves to the change display area 54B and is displayed as the change image 54b, and the first performance pending images 51b are shifted one by one to the right.

In the second performance pending display area 52B, as the number of activation pendings increases, the number of second performance pending images 52b increases from left to right on the performance display device 7 in proportion to the increase. In other words, the second performance pending image 52b located at the leftmost position in the second performance pending display area 52B is the oldest information, and the second performance pending image 52b located at the rightmost position is the newest information. Then, when the pattern change starts, the second performance pending image 52b located at the leftmost position moves to the change display area 54B and is displayed as the change image 54b, and the second performance pending images 52b are shifted one by one to the left.

In addition, the number of pending operations on the performance display device 7 may not be displayed on the performance display device 7, but may be notified to the player using lamps or the like located near the performance display device 7.
In addition to notifying the result of the jackpot determination by the performance symbols, the pachinko game machine 1 notifies the result of the jackpot determination by using a combination of a background image displayed on the performance display device 7, sounds output from the speaker 8, and the illumination of the board lamp 2a. Specifically, this includes various game performances such as advance notice performances and reach performances. Advance notice performances are a type of game performance that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination will be a jackpot. Advance notice performances are an example of the "suggestive performances" of the present invention.

[Major electrical configuration of a pachinko machine]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
The pachinko game machine 1 comprises a main control board 60 (Figure 3), a payout control board 73 (Figure 4), a sub-control board 100 (Figure 4), an image control board 200 (Figure 4), a sound control board 78 (Figure 4), and a lamp control board 79 (Figure 4).

As shown in FIG. 3, a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, and a RAM 64. The main control board 60 also includes an input/output circuit 65 and a RAM clear switch 66. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various judgments (lotteries), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers. The CPU 62 detects winning, judges jackpots, and updates various random numbers. The ROM 63 stores various tables, such as the computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot judgment table, a jackpot type judgment table, a reach judgment table, and a special chart variation pattern selection table.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. The RAM 64 also includes a first special chart reservation memory section 64a, a second special chart reservation memory section 64b, and a general chart reservation memory section 64c.

The first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of first special symbol reservations that can be stored is four. In each memory area, the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and change pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the first starting hole 11 are stored. When the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 while the first special symbol display device 51 is displaying the first special symbol, the display of the first special symbol caused by the winning is temporarily reserved (activation reserved), and the jackpot random number, etc. obtained as a result of the winning are stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a.

The second special symbol reservation memory section 64b includes first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbol reservations that can be stored is four. In each memory area, the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and change pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the second start hole 22 are stored. When the game ball wins the second start hole 22 while the second special symbol display device 52 is displaying the second special symbol, the display of the second special symbol caused by the winning is temporarily reserved (activation reserved), and the jackpot random number, etc. acquired due to the winning are stored in the second special symbol reservation memory section 64b.

The jackpot random numbers, etc. are stored in the order of occurrence of the reserved operation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage area of the first special symbol reserved storage unit 64a and the second special symbol reserved storage unit 64b. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers, etc. are stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the fourth storage area are the newest information in terms of time, and the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the first storage area are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order each time a special symbol variable display is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. In addition, the judgment (lottery) based on the jackpot random numbers, etc. stored in the first storage area is performed when the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display device ends and before the next variable display begins.

The regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c stores the regular winning random number (random number for judging (lottery) whether the regular symbol is a winning symbol or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12. When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the regular symbol display 53 is displaying a regular symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the regular symbol display 53 due to the passing is temporarily reserved (operation reserved), and the regular winning random number acquired due to the passing is stored in the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c. The reserved variable display of the regular symbol is performed next after the currently performed variable display of the regular symbol is completed. In the pachinko game machine 1, the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c has a memory area for a total of four reservations, and the maximum number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display 53 is four. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display 53 is referred to as the regular symbol reservation number.

The input/output circuit 65 also transmits and receives data between each board connected to the main control board 60. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed down, the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) of the sub-control board 100 are initialized. The RAM clear switch 66 is located in a position where it cannot be operated by the player (for example, on the back of the machine).

The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the display devices 50. As described above, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display device 51, a second special symbol display device 52, and a normal symbol display device 53. The display devices 50 also include a first special symbol reserve display device 51a, a second special symbol reserve display device 52a, and a normal symbol reserve display device 53a. The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the first start port sensor 11a, the second start port sensor 22a, and the gate sensor 12a via the relay board 74. Similarly, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the large prize port sensor 32a, the normal prize port sensor 13a, the electric chute solenoid 20a, and the large prize port solenoid 30a via the relay board 74.

The first start hole sensor 11a is provided directly below the first start hole 11 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 to the main control board 60. The second start hole sensor 22a is provided directly below the second start hole 22 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the passage area of the game ball in the gate 12 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 to the main control board 60. The large prize hole sensor 32a as a detection means is provided directly below the large prize hole 32 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the large prize hole 32 to the main control board 60. The general prize hole sensor 13a is provided directly below the general prize hole 13 and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the general prize hole 13 to the main control board 60. The electric chute solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The special winning port solenoid 30a drives the opening and closing member 31 of the special winning device 30 to open and close.

The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the card unit 76, the ball loan payout device 80, and the prize ball payout device 400 via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, and performs operations such as reading and writing balances on the prepaid card. The ball loan payout device 80 is equipped with a ball loan motor 81 and a ball loan sensor 82. The ball loan motor 81 drives a member that pays out game balls as loan balls, and the ball loan sensor 82 outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has been paid out by that member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of balls loaned out by the ball loan payout device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 76 has a recorded balance equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out, operating the ball loan button (not shown) activates the loan ball payout device 80, which pays out the minimum number of loan balls to the ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 is equipped with a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a member that pays out game balls as prize balls, and the prize ball sensor 402 outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has been paid out by that member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.

The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to the launch device 90 via the launch control circuit 75. The launch device 90 is equipped with a launch motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launch volume 93. The launch motor 91 drives a striking hammer (not shown) that strikes and launches the game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The launch volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the striking hammer strikes the game ball depending on the amount of rotation of the launch lever 4a.

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60, the payout control board 73, and the sub-control board 100. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 via the payout control board 73. The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 via the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74. The power supply board 70 also supplies power via the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60. The power supply board 70 also supplies power via the sub-control board 100 to each board electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 (image control board 200, sound control board 78, lamp control board 79).

The power supply board 70 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 71. When power is not being supplied from an external source to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the backup power supply circuit 71 supplies the power necessary to retain information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like. A power switch 72 for turning on and off the main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100. The main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub-control board 100, but the sub-control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is one-way communication, where only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip microcomputer for performance control (hereinafter referred to as the performance control microcomputer) 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 is
The sub-control board 100 includes a PU 102, a ROM 110, and a RAM 120. The sub-control board 100 also includes an input/output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls the presentation in accordance with the game. The ROM 110 stores various tables in addition to computer programs for the CPU 102 to control the presentation. The RAM 120 is used as a work memory when the CPU 102 executes the computer programs. The RAM 120 also includes a first special chart reserved presentation storage unit 121, a second special chart reserved presentation storage unit 122, and a corresponding variable presentation storage unit 123.

The first special chart hold effect memory unit 121 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas, and each memory area stores the first start winning command and the like transmitted from the main control board 60. The first start winning command is a command including the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, fluctuation pattern random number, and reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the first start hole 11.

On the other hand, the second special chart hold effect memory unit 122 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas, and each memory area stores the second start winning command and the like transmitted from the main control board 60. The second start winning command is a command including the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, fluctuation pattern random number, and reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the second start hole 22.

The variation effect memory unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second start winning command to be used for the variation.
The input/output circuit 103 transmits and receives data between each board etc. connected to the sub-control board 100 .

The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The performance display device 7 is electrically connected to the image control board 200. The image control board 200 is equipped with a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), an image control CPU 202, and a control ROM 203. Furthermore, the image control board 200 is equipped with a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. The image control CPU 202 controls the performance display device 7 to display performance images such as variable performance patterns, button performance images, and preview images. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the performance display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes the computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the performance display device 7 to display performance images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to a display list created by the image control CPU 202, and loads the read image data in a load area in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then composites the image data loaded in the VRAM 206, and stores the composite image data in a frame buffer in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into an RGB signal, and outputs it to the performance display device 7. As a result, the performance display device 7 displays a performance image.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the board lamp 2a, performance button lamp 9c, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data.

The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77. A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. The performance control microcomputer 101 creates movement pattern data that determines the movement pattern of the movable body 15 using the data stored in ROM 110, and transmits the movement pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79, which receives the movement pattern data, drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 in accordance with the movement pattern, thereby controlling the movement of the movable body 15.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to each speaker 8 via an audio control board 78. The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control microcomputer 78a, an audio data storage unit 78b, a sound source IC 78c, an audio synthesis circuit 78d, an amplifier 78e, and a volume level setting circuit 78f. The audio control microcomputer 78a includes a ROM that stores computer programs for audio control, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the computer programs stored in the ROM. The audio data storage unit 78b stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects.

The voice control microcomputer 78a transmits and receives data (various commands, etc.) to and from the sub-control board 100 via the input/output circuit 103. Based on the command received from the sub-control board 100, the voice control microcomputer 78a outputs a voice selection signal to the sound source IC 78c and outputs a volume level signal to the volume level setting circuit 78f. The sound source IC 78c reads out the voice data corresponding to the received voice selection signal from the voice data storage unit 78b and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesis circuit 78d. The voice synthesis circuit 78d synthesizes the received voice data and converts the synthesized synthetic voice data into an analog voice signal and outputs it to the amplifier 78e. The amplifier 78e amplifies the received voice signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs (plays) the sound indicated by the received voice signal. In other words, the audio control microcomputer 78a reads audio data from the audio data storage unit 78b based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 101, and executes audio control based on the read audio data.

The volume level setting circuit 78f sets the amplification factor of the sound signal by the amplifier 78e based on the volume level signal input from the sound control microcomputer 78a. The amplifier 78e amplifies the sound signal input from the sound source IC 78c based on the amplification factor set by the volume level setting circuit 78f, and outputs the amplified sound signal from the speaker 8.

For example, when the sound control microcomputer 78a receives a sound level command indicating a sound level of "9" from the sub-control board 100, it outputs a sound level signal corresponding to the command to the sound level setting circuit 78f. This causes the sound level setting circuit 78f to set the amplification factor of the sound signal by the amplifier 78e to an amplification factor corresponding to the sound level of "9". In this state, when the sound source IC 78c outputs the sound data read from the sound data storage unit 78b as a sound signal to the amplifier 78e, the amplifier 78e amplifies the input sound signal by an amplification factor corresponding to the sound level of "9". As a result, the game sound is output from the speaker 8 at a volume equivalent to the sound level of "9". In other words, the sound control microcomputer 78a sets the amplification factor of the sound level based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 101, and executes sound control at that volume.

In addition, the sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to a performance lever push detection switch 6a, a performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, a performance button detection switch 9a, an operation button detection switch 36a, a performance lever vibration motor 6c, and a performance button vibration motor 9b.

The performance lever push detection switch 6a outputs a signal indicating that the performance lever 6 has been pushed to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes the lever performance that is performed when the performance lever 6 is pushed based on the signal input from the performance lever push detection switch 6a. The performance lever rotation detection switch 6b outputs a signal indicating that the performance lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes the lever performance that is performed when the performance lever 6 is rotated based on the signal input from the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b. The performance button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the performance button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes the button performance based on the signal input from the performance button detection switch 9a. The operation button detection switch 36a outputs a signal indicating that the operation button 36 has been operated to the sub-control board 100. Based on the signal input from the operation button detection switch 36a, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes various controls, such as causing the image control board 200 to increase or decrease the level meter M on the level meter screen G2.

The performance lever vibration motor 6c is a member that vibrates the performance lever 6, and is provided in the part that contacts the performance lever 6 or inside the performance lever 6. The performance button vibration motor 9b is a member that vibrates the performance button 9, and is housed inside the performance button 9. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6c and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance button vibration motor 9b. The performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance lever 6, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6c based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance button 9, and drives and controls the performance button vibration motor 9b based on the read operation pattern data.

A volume adjustment knob 37 is also connected to the sub-control board 100. The volume adjustment knob 37 is used by hall personnel and the like to make volume-related selection operations, and is composed of a rotary switch that can be switched between multiple levels (for example, three levels). The volume adjustment knob 37 is provided on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and is attached to the sub-control board 100 in a state where it can be operated from the back of the machine. In other words, in order to operate the volume adjustment knob 37, it is necessary to unlock and open the front frame 18, and therefore it cannot be operated by anyone other than hall personnel and the like. Furthermore, the volume adjustment knob 37 may be any device that can switch the volume between multiple levels, and may be a dip switch or the like.

[Explanation of game state]
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.
The special symbol display and the normal symbol display 53 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "high probability state", and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal probability state (low probability state)". In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state. The transition to either the high probability state or the normal probability state is basically determined by a lottery at the time of a jackpot. The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a type of machine known as a "probability variable machine".

In addition, the state in which the time-saving function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "time-saving state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time-saving state." In the time-saving state, the time required for the special symbol to change (the time required from the start of the change display to the final display) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. When the time-saving function of the special symbol display is activated, a shorter change time is more likely to be selected as the change time of the special symbol compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special symbol reservation is accelerated, and effective winning (winning that can be stored as a special symbol reservation) at the starting port is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot win under smooth game progress.

The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display. In other words, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time-shortened state and do not operate in the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, in the time-shortened state, the probability of a winning pattern being determined in the lottery for the normal symbol is higher than in the non-time-shortened state. In other words, when the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol display 53 operates, the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 53 will be a winning normal symbol (a normal symbol indicating that a winning pattern has been determined in the lottery for the normal symbol) is higher than when it is not operating.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more times in the auxiliary play than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. The auxiliary play is a game in which the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed in an opening pattern corresponding to the current play state when the confirmed normal symbol displayed is a specific normal symbol that has been determined in advance.

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 22 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls is higher, so the player can aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has. In addition, in this way, when the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the control that supports the winning of the second starting hole 22 by the normal variable winning device 20 is called electric support control. In addition, the state in which the electric support control is being performed is called a "high base state", and the state in which the electric support control is not being performed is called a "low base state". In addition, since the "high base state" is a state in which so-called electric support control is being executed, the "high base state" is sometimes called the "electric support control state" or the "easy-to-score state". On the other hand, the "low base state" is sometimes called the "non-electric support control state" or the "non-easy-to-score state". In addition, the "high base state" does not have to have all of the above functions activated. In other words, it is sufficient that one or more of the probability fluctuation function of the normal pattern display 53, the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20, and the opening count increase function are activated, making it easier for the normal variable winning device 20 to open than when the function is not activated. In addition, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time shortening state.

In the pachinko game machine 1, when a special jackpot is won, the game state after the jackpot game ends is a "high probability state, time-saving state, and high base state." In this embodiment, this game state continues until the next jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In the "jackpot game," when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination, the jackpot winning slot 32 is opened in an opening pattern that corresponds to the type of special chart (type of jackpot) that has been confirmed and displayed.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, when a normal jackpot, which will be described later, is won, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes "normal probability state, time-saving state, and high base state". This game state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. Note that, when playing the pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the game state after the power is turned on is "normal probability state, non-time-saving state, and low base state". Hereinafter, "high probability state, time-saving state, and high base state" is referred to as "high probability high base state", "normal probability state, time-saving state, and high base state" is referred to as "low probability high base state", and "normal probability state, non-time-saving state, and low base state" is referred to as "low probability low base state" or "normal game state".

In a "high base state" such as a "high probability high base state" or a "low probability high base state," the normal variable winning device 20 is more likely to open due to electric support control, and it is easier to win at the second starting hole 22 than the first starting hole 11. For this reason, it is more advantageous to shoot the game ball toward the right playing area 3B by hitting it from the right.

On the other hand, in the "low base state," electric support control is not executed, and the normal variable winning device 20 is difficult to open, so it is easier to win at the first starting hole 11 than at the second starting hole 22. For this reason, it is easier to progress in the game by shooting the game ball toward the left playing area 3A by hitting it from the left.

[Jackpot Judgment Table]
The jackpot determination table (not shown) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when it executes a jackpot determination of whether or not a jackpot has been generated. The jackpot determination table is configured by associating a game state with a jackpot random number value (jackpot determination value). The jackpot random number value is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the jackpot random number counter operates and generates a jackpot random number by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In the pachinko game machine 1, a jackpot random number when the game state is a high probability state and a jackpot random number when the game state is a normal probability state are set. The jackpot random numbers that are determined to be a jackpot are set more frequently in the high probability state than in the normal probability state. As a result, the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the high probability state is higher than in the normal probability state. In addition, if a jackpot is not determined to be a jackpot, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game is a miss. The jackpot determination table is common to the drawing of the first special chart and the drawing of the second special chart.

[Big Win Type Determination Table]
The jackpot type determination table (not shown) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when it determines the type of jackpot when it is determined that a jackpot has been generated. The jackpot type determination table is configured by associating a predetermined number of jackpot type random numbers (jackpot type determination values) with each jackpot type (jackpot pattern type) according to the type of lottery (lottery for the first special symbol or the second special symbol). The jackpot type random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the jackpot type random number counter operates and generates a jackpot type random number by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In the pachinko game machine 1, a "10R normal jackpot" and a "10R variable jackpot" are set as the types of jackpots.

The 10R normal jackpot is a jackpot type in which the number of rounds constituting the jackpot game is "10", and the game state after the jackpot game ends is a normal probability state, a time-saving state, and a high base state. However, the upper limit of the number of times that the special pattern variable display that is the time-saving state and the high base state can be displayed is "100 times", and if the upper limit is exceeded, the game state becomes a normal probability state, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state. The 10R high probability jackpot is a jackpot type in which the number of rounds constituting the jackpot game is "10", and the game state after the jackpot game ends is a high probability state, a time-saving state, and a high base state. When a 10R high probability jackpot is determined, the game state is a high probability state, a time-saving state, and a high base state until the next jackpot lottery is won.

In the pachinko game machine 1, it is also possible to vary the number of jackpot type random numbers associated with a specific jackpot type depending on whether it is a first special jackpot judgment or a second special jackpot judgment. In addition, regarding a jackpot, the period required from when the jackpot opening 32 opens to when it closes is called the jackpot opening period, and the period from when the jackpot opening 32 opens to when it opens again is called a round or round play. In addition, play from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is called a jackpot play. Note that the type of jackpot, the number of rounds, the upper limit number of times that electric support control is performed, etc. may be changed as appropriate depending on the gameplay, etc.

[Reach Judgment Table]
The reach judgment table (not shown) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when judging whether or not to select a special pattern variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss. Here, the reach is a state in which there is only one special pattern remaining among the multiple special patterns that are displayed in a variable manner, and depending on which special pattern the variable displayed special pattern is displayed as, a combination of special patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed. Also, the reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern remaining among the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner in the multiple display areas of the performance display device 7, and depending on which performance pattern the variable displayed performance pattern is displayed as, a combination of performance patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed.

For example, when one of the combinations of jackpot performance symbols is "777", "7" is displayed as the left performance symbol 7L in the left performance symbol display area, "7" is displayed as the right performance symbol 7R in the right performance symbol display area, and the middle performance symbol 7C is displayed in a variable manner in the middle performance symbol display area. Note that the concept of reach includes a state in which the middle performance symbol 7C is scrolling, as well as a state in which it is shaking, or repeatedly expanding and contracting.

The reach random number is a random number used to determine whether or not to select a special chart variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. The reach determination table is configured by associating a game state with a reach random number value (reach determination value). The reach random number value is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in ROM 63, and the reach random number counter operates and generates a reach random number when the CPU 62 executes the computer program. In the pachinko game machine 1, reach random numbers when the game state is in a non-time-saving state and reach random numbers when in a time-saving state are set.

The reach random number that is determined to be in reach is set lower in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. As a result, the probability of being determined to be in reach in the time-saving state is lower than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, since the probability of being determined to be not in reach is higher, when selecting a special chart variation pattern, the probability of selecting a special chart variation pattern without reach is higher. For this reason, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the reserved number of special charts is faster. Note that the reach determination table in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be the same for the drawing of the first special chart and the drawing of the second special chart, or may be different.

[Special chart variation pattern selection table]
The special chart variation pattern selection table T1 shown in FIG. 5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the special chart variation pattern by lottery. The special chart variation pattern selection table T1 is configured by associating the game state, the judgment (jackpot judgment and reach judgment) result, the special chart reserved number, the variation pattern random number value (variation pattern judgment value), the special chart variation pattern, and the variation time. The jackpot type may also be associated. In addition, the "variation performance pattern" shown in the special chart variation pattern selection table T1 refers to the variation performance pattern (determined on the sub-control board 100 side) that specifies the performance content performed on the performance display device 7 etc. in response to the selected special chart variation pattern, and is described for reference. The variation pattern random number value is a predetermined random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. The variation pattern random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the computer program is executed by the CPU 62, whereby the variation pattern random number counter operates and generates a variation pattern random number.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is a value within the range of 0 to 94, the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. Also, if the fluctuation pattern random number is a value within the range of 95 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special charts. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is 70,000 ms, and the fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is 30,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is associated with the content that executes the SP (super) reach performance. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is associated with the content that executes the normal reach performance. The super reach performance is a performance in which a reach performance is executed in a progressive manner through normal fluctuation and normal reach performance, and the fluctuation time after the reach is longer than that of the normal reach performance. Also, the random number distribution rate is set in the table so that the jackpot expectation rate is higher than that of the normal reach performance. The normal reach effect is an effect in which the effect symbols in a specific row among the effect symbols that change in multiple rows stop temporarily to form a reach, and then the remaining effect symbol changes while the effect symbols that form the reach stop temporarily. The normal reach effect is also an effect that suggests that there is a possibility of a jackpot after the reach is formed. However, the random number distribution rate is set in the table so that the jackpot expectation rate of the normal reach effect is lower than that of the super reach effect.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss and the reach judgment determines that there is a reach, if the acquired fluctuation pattern random number is a value within the range of 0 to 4, special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is selected regardless of the number of special charts reserved. If the acquired fluctuation pattern random number is a value within the range of 5 to 99, special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is selected regardless of the number of special charts reserved. The fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is 70,000 ms, and the fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is 30,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern P3 is associated with content that executes a super reach performance. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern P4 is associated with content that executes a normal reach performance.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if the jackpot judgment determines that the jackpot is a miss and the reach judgment determines that the reach is not reached, if the number of reserved special charts is 0 to 2, the special chart fluctuation pattern P5 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Also, if the number of reserved special charts is 3 to 4, the special chart fluctuation pattern P6 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P5 is 10,000 ms, and the fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P6 is 5,000 ms. The fluctuation performance patterns corresponding to the special chart fluctuation patterns P5 and P6 are associated with contents that display normal fluctuations.

When the game state is in the time-saving state and the jackpot determination determines that a jackpot has been reached, special chart fluctuation pattern P7 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of special chart fluctuation pattern P7 is 50,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to special chart fluctuation pattern P7 is associated with the content that executes the super reach performance.

When the game state is in the time-saving state, if the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss and the reach judgment determines that there is a reach, the special chart fluctuation pattern P8 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P8 is 50,000 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern P8 is associated with the content that executes the super reach performance.

When the game state is in the time-saving state, if the jackpot judgment is a miss and the reach judgment is a no-reach, if the number of reserved special figures is 0 to 1, the special chart fluctuation pattern P9 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Also, if the number of reserved special figures is 2 to 4, the special chart fluctuation pattern P10 is selected regardless of the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P9 is 5,000 ms, and the special chart fluctuation pattern P10 is 1,000 ms.
The fluctuation time is 2,500 ms. The fluctuation performance pattern corresponding to the special chart fluctuation patterns P9 and P10 is associated with the contents that display the normal fluctuation. Note that this special chart fluctuation pattern selection table T1 is common to the first special chart and the second special chart, but it may be set separately for the first special chart and the second special chart.

[Main processing of the gaming control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to the drawings.
(Main side main control processing)
First, the main-side main control process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes a computer program for main control processing from the ROM 63. The game control microcomputer 61 first performs an initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interruption time setting, CPU 62 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interruption time), resetting of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are performed. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2), and executes normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing, the initial values of each random number counter that generates the above-mentioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number are updated by adding "1" to each of them. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and is then incremented by "1". The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. The count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or greater to it. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number that is generated using a known random number generating circuit made of a counter IC or the like. When using such hardware random numbers, there is no need for software-based random number updating processing (S3).

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt permission (S4). During interrupt permission, the main timer interrupt process (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at, for example, a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main timer interrupt process (S5) is finished, the initial value update process of various counters is executed by the normal pattern/special pattern main random number update process (S3) until the next main timer interrupt process (S5) is started. Note that, if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S5) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed.

(Main side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main timer interrupt process (S5) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes an output process (S10). In this output process, commands and the like set in the transmission buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 100, the payout control board 73, and the like. The game control microcomputer 61 also outputs a change start command for a normal symbol indicating that a normal symbol has started to change when the normal symbol has started to change, and a change start command for a special symbol indicating that a special symbol has started to change when the special symbol has started to change. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes an input process (S11). In this input process, each detection signal detected by various sensors (the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 22a, the big prize hole sensor 32a, the gate sensor 12a, etc.) attached mainly to the pachinko game machine 1 is read. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (subtracted). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning port is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command transmitted to the payout control board 73. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. 6. That is, the update process of the initial value of each random number counter is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and during the other period (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) to the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S5)).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the sensor detection process (S15), the normal operation process (S16), the special symbol waiting process (S17), the special symbol change process (S18), and other processes (S19) described later, and ends this process. The other processes (S19) are a security control process that detects and notifies fraudulent winning, a magnetic detection process that detects and notifies fraudulent acts using magnetism, a door opening process that detects and notifies the opening of the front frame 18 or the inner frame, an illegal radio wave detection process that detects and notifies fraudulent acts using radio waves, and an impact detection process that detects and notifies fraudulent acts that vibrate the pachinko game machine 1. In addition, in the other processes, the first special symbol reservation indicator 51a is controlled to a display mode that indicates the number based on the number of first special symbols reserved, and the second special symbol reservation indicator 52a is controlled to a display mode that indicates the number based on the number of second special symbols reserved. Then, steps S2 to S4 of the main control process (FIG. 6) are repeatedly executed until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), the main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process executed again, the commands etc. that were set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S5) are sent to the specified board.

(Sensor detection process)
Next, the contents of the sensor detection process (S15) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (S20). The gate sensor 12a detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 12. When it is judged that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (S20: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a gate passing process (S21). In this gate passing process, it judges whether the number of reserved normal symbols is 4 or more, and if the number of reserved normal symbols is not 4 or more, it adds "1" to the number of reserved normal symbols and executes a process of acquiring and storing a winning random number for drawing a normal symbol.

After S21 is completed, or if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S20: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 (S22). The game ball's entry into the second start hole 22 is detected by the second start hole sensor 22a. If it is determined that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 (S22: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the second special symbol reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S23). If it is determined that the second special symbol reservation number U2 has not reached "4" (S23: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the second special symbol reservation number U2 (S24). This establishes the variable reservation condition for the second special symbol. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol related random number acquisition process (S25). In this second special chart related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a memory area of the second special chart reserved memory unit 64b according to the current number of second special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of second special charts reserved is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S26). In this second start winning command creation process, a second start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22, data indicating each random number stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S26 in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). This set second start winning command is sent to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the second start winning command.

After the end of S27, if it is determined that the game ball has not entered the second start hole 22 (S22: No), or if it is determined that the second special symbol reserved number U2 has reached "4" (S23: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 (S28). The game ball's entry into the first start hole 11 is detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. If it is determined that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 (S28: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the first special symbol reserved number U1 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S29). If it is determined that the first special symbol reserved number U1 has not reached "4" (S29: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the first special symbol reserved number U1 (S30). This establishes the variable reservation condition for the first special symbol. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special chart related random number acquisition process (S31). In this first special chart related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a change pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a according to the current number of first special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of first special charts reserved is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command creation process (S32). In this first start winning command creation process, the first start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a in S31. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a in S31, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S32 in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). This set first start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the first start winning command. After completion of S33, if it is determined that the game ball has not entered the first starting hole 11 (S28: No), or if it is determined that the first special chart reserved number U1 has reached "4" (S29: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 terminates this process.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S16) will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 performs processes such as adding the number of reserved normal symbols, displaying the changing normal symbols using the normal symbol display 53, determining whether the normal symbol is a win or not, and opening and closing the normal variable winning device 20 when the result of the win determination is a win.

(Special pattern waiting process)
Next, the contents of the special symbol waiting process (S17) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the second special symbol reserved number U2 is "0" (S40). When it is judged that it is not "0" (S40: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol big win judgment process (FIG. 10) described later (S41). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 11, 12) described later (S42). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special symbol reserved number U2 (S43), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reserved memory unit 64b to the memory area with the oldest memory order, that is, the side to be read, one by one (S44). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation start process (S45). In other words, the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 executes the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the second special symbol reservation memory 64b. Also, each time the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reservation memory 64b is shifted to the memory area with the oldest memory order.

In this second special symbol variation start process, a variation start command for the special symbol is set in the transmission buffer of RAM 64 to start the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command for the special symbol set in the transmission buffer of RAM 64 includes data on the special symbol stop symbol set in the second special symbol jackpot determination process (FIG. 10) described below and data on the special symbol variation pattern set in the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 11 and 12). After executing S45, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the second special chart reserved number U2 is "0" (S40: Yes), it determines whether the first special chart reserved number U1 is "0" (S46). When it determines that it is not "0" (S46: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart big win determination process (FIG. 10) described later (S47). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change pattern selection process (FIGS. 11, 12) described later (S48). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special chart reserved number U1 (S49), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a one by one to the memory area with the oldest storage order, that is, the side to be read (S50). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change start process (S51). In other words, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 performs the winning/losing judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a. Also, each time the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a is shifted to the memory area that was stored the oldest.

In this first special symbol variation start process, a variation start command for the special symbol is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command for the special symbol set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 includes data of the special symbol stop symbol set in the first special symbol big win determination process (FIG. 10) described later and data of the variation pattern set in the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 11 and 12). After executing S51, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S46 that the first special symbol reservation number U1 is "0" (S46: Yes), it determines whether or not the game is in a standby state (S52). The standby state refers to a state in which the game is not in a jackpot game, the special symbol is not changing, and the special symbol reservation number is zero. More specifically, the standby state is a state that occurs when, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, the special symbol (or performance symbol) is displayed and the symbol stops for a certain period of time or more after the confirmation display. Here, if it is determined that the game is in a standby state (S52: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process, and if it is determined that the game is not in a standby state (S52: No), it executes a standby screen setting process (S53). In this standby screen setting process, a customer waiting standby command for displaying a standby screen, which is a demo screen for waiting for customers, is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 after a predetermined standby time (corresponding to the above-mentioned certain time) has elapsed. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process. The game control microcomputer 61 may determine whether or not the machine is in a standby state by, for example, turning on/off a demo screen display flag for waiting for customers. In this embodiment, the display of the first special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is performed only when the second special symbol reservation number U2 is "0" (S40: Yes). In other words, the consumption of the second special symbol reservation is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special symbol reservation.

(Second special chart big win determination process (first special chart big win determination process))
Next, the contents of the second special chart big win determination process (S41) and the first special chart big win determination process (S47) will be described according to Fig. 10. The second special chart big win determination process (S41) and the first special chart big win determination process (S47) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special chart reservation storage unit 64a and the second special chart reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply called the special chart reservation storage unit.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage section of the RAM 64 (S60) and refers to the jackpot determination table (S61). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the probability variable flag is ON or not, that is, whether the current game state is a high probability state or not (S62). In this embodiment, the probability variable flag is turned ON when a 10R probability variable jackpot is won, and is turned OFF when a 10R normal jackpot is won. Here, if it is determined that the probability variable flag is not ON, that is, the normal probability state is in effect (S62: No), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random number in the normal probability state in the jackpot determination table and determines whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read in S60, that is, whether or not there is a jackpot (S63).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S62 that the probability of winning is ON, i.e., that the current game state is a high probability state (S62: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the high probability state jackpot random number in the jackpot determination table and determines whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read in S60, i.e., whether or not there is a jackpot (S64).

If a jackpot is determined to have occurred in S63 (S63: Yes) or if a jackpot is determined to have occurred in S64 (S64: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first memory area of the special chart reservation memory unit, and determines the type of jackpot by referring to the jackpot type determination table (S65).

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on a jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot has been determined in the jackpot determination (S66). If a jackpot has not been determined in S63 (S63: No), after S66 ends, or if a jackpot has not been determined in S64 (S64: No), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S67. If a jackpot has been determined, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special symbol stop pattern data for determining and displaying the jackpot pattern of the special symbol according to the type of jackpot determined in S65 in a special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64, and ends this process. Also, if a jackpot has not been determined, that is, a miss, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special symbol stop pattern data for determining and displaying the miss pattern of the special symbol in a special symbol buffer, and ends this process. In this embodiment, the "jackpot" corresponds to the "special state advantageous to the player" in the present invention. Therefore, the processes of S63 and S64, and the game control microcomputer 61 which executes the processes of S63, S64 are an example of the "determination means" and the "win determination means" of the present invention.

(Second special chart variation pattern selection process (first special chart variation pattern selection process))
Next, the contents of the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S42) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S48) will be described according to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Note that the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S42) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S48) have the same process flow, so they will be described together.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game state is in a time-shortened state (S70). Whether the game state is in a time-shortened state can be determined by whether information (time-shortened flag) that can identify whether the game state is in a time-shortened state is ON. The time-shortened flag is turned ON when the game state is controlled to be in the time-shortened state, and is turned OFF when the time-shortened state ends.

When it is determined that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, the time-saving state is not in progress (S70: No), the game control microcomputer 61 transitions to S71. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, the time-saving state is in progress (S70: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 transitions to S77. The game control microcomputer 61 that transitions to S71 or S77 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S71, S77). When it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S71, S77: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special chart fluctuation pattern by referring to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table (special chart fluctuation pattern selection table T1 in this example) (S72, S78). For example, if it is in a non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61 references the fluctuation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in a non-time-saving state. Similarly, if the time-saving state is active, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the fluctuation pattern random number for the case of a jackpot in the time-saving state. The game control microcomputer 61 then acquires the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number.

Also, if the jackpot flag is not ON in S71 or S77, that is, if it is determined that the jackpot is a miss (S71, S77: No), the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the reach random number stored in the first memory area of the special chart reserve memory section, and determines whether the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S73, S79). In the non-time-saving state, if the acquired reach random number is present among the reach random numbers for the non-time-saving state in the reach determination table, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a reach establishment random number (S73: Yes). Similarly, in the time-saving state, if the acquired reach random number is present among the reach random numbers for the time-saving state in the reach determination table, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a reach establishment random number (S79: Yes).

After that, if the game control microcomputer 61 is in a non-time-saving state, it refers to the special chart variation pattern selection table and selects the special chart variation pattern for reach and miss that is associated with the non-time-saving state (S74). Similarly, if the game control microcomputer 61 is in a time-saving state, it refers to the special chart variation pattern selection table and selects the special chart variation pattern for reach and miss that is associated with the time-saving state (S80).

Also, if it is determined in S73 or S79 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S73, S79: No), the game control microcomputer 61, if in a non-time-saving state, refers to the special chart change pattern selection table and selects a special chart change pattern for a no-reach miss that is associated with the non-time-saving state (S75). Similarly, if in a time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61, if in a time-saving state, refers to the special chart change pattern selection table and selects a special chart change pattern for a no-reach miss that is associated with the time-saving state (S81).

After S72, S74, S75, S78, S80, and S81 are completed, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S76), and ends this process. The variation pattern data set in the special symbol variation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the variation start command for the special symbol set in S45 and S51 of the special symbol waiting process described above, and is sent to the sub-control board 100 by the output process (S10) of the main timer interrupt process.

(Special pattern variation processing)
Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S18) will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The special symbol variation process of the second special symbol and the special symbol variation process of the first special symbol are described together because they have the same process flow.

The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in S42, S48) has ended (S90). If it is judged that the special symbol variation time has not ended (S90: No), the game control microcomputer 61 ends this process. If it is judged that the special symbol variation time has ended (S90: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 sets a variation stop command for the special symbol to stop the variation display of the special symbol in a transmission buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S91). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a special symbol stop process to stop the variation display of the special symbol being executed on the special symbol display device at a symbol (a special symbol big win symbol or a special symbol losing symbol) according to the special symbol stop symbol data set in the special symbol big win judgment process after the variation time set in the special symbol variation pattern has elapsed (S92).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process (S93). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving counter that counts the number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving state by a subtraction method, and judges whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0". If it is judged to be "0", it turns the time-saving flag OFF. The game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including information of each flag in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64, and ends the game state management process. In the pachinko game machine 1, when a high probability jackpot is won, the high probability state continues until the next jackpot is won, so there is no need to turn off the high probability flag or provide a high probability counter that counts the number of times the special symbol changes during the high probability state as part of the game state management process.

After that, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S94), and if it is judged to be ON (S94: Yes), executes game state reset processing (S95). In this game state reset processing, it judges whether the probability variable flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, it turns the probability variable flag OFF. In addition, it judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, and if it is judged to be ON, it turns the time-saving flag OFF. In other words, during the execution of the jackpot game, it is controlled to the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state. On the other hand, if it is judged that the jackpot flag is OFF (S94: No), the game control microcomputer 61 ends this processing.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the jackpot opening to start the jackpot game (S96) and sets an opening command to execute the jackpot opening (S97). The jackpot opening is a performance in which a performance image celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is displayed on the performance display device 7 and music celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is played from each speaker 8. In the opening setting, the execution time of the jackpot opening is set in a specified timer and measured.

Next, when the big win opening ends, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric role processing (S98). First, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation valid counter in the special electric role processing. The special electric role operation valid counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds that constitute the big win game. Then, when the round start time is reached, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a round start command in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the big prize opening 32 in an opening pattern according to the type of big win. Then, during one round game, when the number of game balls detected by the big prize opening sensor 32a reaches the upper limit number or a predetermined upper limit opening time has elapsed, the game control microcomputer 61 closes the big prize opening 32 by closing the opening and closing member 31, and ends the round game. The game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the big prize opening 32 for the number of rounds determined for each type of big prize. The game control microcomputer 61 also subtracts one from the value of the special electric role activation valid counter each time a round of play is started, and ends the big prize game when the value of the special electric role activation valid counter becomes "0". Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an ending command for executing a big prize ending in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64. The game control microcomputer 61 also sets the execution time of the big prize ending in a predetermined timer and measures it. When the big prize game ends due to the end of the big prize ending, the game control microcomputer 61 then turns off the big prize flag.

After S98 is completed, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state setting process (S99). In the game state setting process, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the type of jackpot is a normal jackpot (in the embodiment, a "10R normal jackpot"), it turns on the time-saving flag and sets the time-saving counter to a number corresponding to the type of jackpot (in the embodiment, 100). The game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command in the transmission buffer of RAM 64 and ends this process. The game state designation command includes information about the set game state (time-saving flag, time-saving counter, probability variable flag, etc.). On the other hand, if the type of jackpot is determined to be a probability variable jackpot (in the embodiment, a "10R probability variable jackpot"), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the probability variable flag and the time-saving flag. In this embodiment, since the game is controlled to the time-saving state after the jackpot game ends and until the next jackpot is won, it is not necessary to set a specific value in the time-saving counter as the number of time-saving times. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the game state designation command in the transmission buffer of the RAM 64 and ends the game state setting process. In this embodiment, the process of S96 to S98 and the game control microcomputer 61 that executes the process of S96 to S98 are an example of the "win game execution means" of the present invention.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control processing will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes an initial setting (S100). In this initial setting, for example, a stack setting, a constant setting, an interrupt time setting, a CPU 102 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer
The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance performs settings of the interrupt circuit (a circuit for managing interrupt time), resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Next, the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 are normal (S101), and if the determination is negative (S101: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance performs initialization of the RAM 120 (S102) and proceeds to S103. If the determination is positive in S101 (S101: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance does not initialize the RAM 120 and proceeds to S103. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S101: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance initializes the RAM 120, but if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normal (S101: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance does not initialize the RAM 120. Incidentally, initializing the RAM 120 resets the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. Also, steps S100 to S102 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 prohibits interrupts (S103) and executes a random number update process (S104). In this random number update process, the initial values of various performance selection random number counters are updated. The performance selection random numbers include a variable performance pattern random number for determining a variable performance pattern, and a notice performance random number for determining various notice performances. The random number update method can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a command transmission process (S105). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the transmission buffer in the RAM 120 of the performance control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, the lamp control board 79, etc. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes interrupt permission (S106). Thereafter, S103 to S106 are repeatedly executed. Additionally, while interrupts are enabled, it is possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S107), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S108), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S109).

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S107) will be described.
The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given from the main control board 60 to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the performance control microcomputer 101 has changed, that is, whether it is time to receive a command. For example, it judges whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high to low. If it is determined that it is not time to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is time to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 and stores the various received commands in the reception buffer of the RAM 120. This reception interrupt process is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S108, S109).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S110). In this input processing, the performance control microcomputer 101 creates switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is ON based on detection signals from the performance lever push detection switch 6a, the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, the performance button detection switch 9a, and the operation button detection switch 36a.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S111). In this output processing, a variable performance start command set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120 in the variable performance start processing (FIG. 18) described later is sent to the image control board 200. In addition, in order to make the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b emit light in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, lamp data created in the lamp processing (S123) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later is output to the lamp control board 79. In other words, the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. In addition, in order to output sound from the speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, data (various commands) related to sound and volume level created in the sound control processing (S124) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described later is output to the sound control board 78. In other words, sound is output from the speaker 8 according to various data related to sound and volume level. In addition, in order to drive the movable body 15 in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, drive data (data for driving the movable body 15) is created and the created drive data is output. In other words, the movable body 15 is driven in a predetermined operation pattern in accordance with the drive data.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variable performance start command has been output (S112). The variable performance start command is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120 in the variable performance start process (FIG. 18) described below, and is transmitted to the image control board 200 in S111. If the performance control microcomputer 101 determines that the variable performance start command has been transmitted (S112: Yes), it begins measuring the variable time of the variable performance pattern (S113). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S114). After S114 is completed, or if it determines that the variable performance start command has not been transmitted (S112: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 terminates this process.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S109) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt processing every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes a received command analysis process (FIG. 17) described later (S120) and executes a switch state acquisition process (S121). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process (S110) of the 1 ms timer interrupt processing is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt processing. Next, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, i.e., the operation of each operation means of the performance button 9, the operation button 36, and the performance lever 6, a switch process is executed to perform various corresponding processes (for example, to set the display contents of the button performance displayed by the performance display device 7) (S122). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a lamp process (S123). In this lamp processing, lamp data is created to control the light emission of each lamp (the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, etc.) in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, and the time management of the light emission performance is performed. As a result, each lamp performs a light emission performance that matches the display of the performance display device 7.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes audio control processing (S124). In this audio control processing, data (various commands) related to audio and volume levels are created, the created data (various commands) are output to the audio control board 78, and the time of audio performance is managed. As a result, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the performance display device 7. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S125) and ends this processing. In the other processing (S125), processing such as updating the variable performance pattern random number, which is the performance selection random number, and the preview performance random number for determining the preview performance, is executed.

(Received command analysis process)
Next, the received command analysis process (S120) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a game state designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S130).
0: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for effect control executes the sub-side game state setting process (S131). The game state designation command includes information indicating the game state (time-saving flag, time-saving counter, probability change flag, etc.). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, the game state is specified based on the information included in the game state designation command, and the specified game state is stored. For example, the value of the time-saving effect counter stored in the RAM 120 is updated based on the information included in the game state designation command. Specifically, the remaining number of times that the special pattern is changed in the time-saving state is set in the time-saving effect counter. This allows information such as the number of time-saving times to be held not only on the main control board 60 side but also on the sub control board 100 side.

After S131 is completed, or if it is determined that the game state designation command has not been received (S130: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the effects determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S132). If it is determined that an opening command has been received (S132: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the effects executes an opening effect selection process (S133). In this opening effect selection process, the type of effect to be executed during the opening of the big win game is selected. This effect is an effect by the image displayed by the effect display device 7, the light emitted by the board lamp 2a, etc., the sound output by each speaker 8, etc., and varies depending on the type of big win. In detail, an opening effect selection table (not shown) in which an opening effect is associated with each opening command is referenced, and an opening effect associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening effect command for starting the opening effect of the selected content is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120.

After S133 is completed, or if it is determined that the opening command has not been received (S132: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not a round designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S134). If it is determined that a round designation command has been received (S134: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes a round designation selection process (S135). In this round designation selection process, the type of designation to be executed in each round of the big win game is selected. This designation is an image displayed by the designation display device 7, light emitted by the board lamp 2a, etc., sound output by each speaker 8, etc., and differs depending on the type of big win. In detail, a round designation table (not shown) in which a round designation is associated with each round designation command is referenced, and the round designation associated with the received round designation command is selected. Then, the round designation command for starting the selected round designation is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120.

After S135 is completed, or if it is determined that the round designation command has not been received (S134: No), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S136). If it is determined that an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S136: Yes), the microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance executes an ending performance selection process (S137). In this ending performance selection process, the type of performance to be executed at the end of the jackpot is selected according to the type of jackpot that triggered the jackpot game being executed. This performance is a performance by the image displayed by the performance display device 7, the light emitted by the board lamp 2a, etc., the sound output by each speaker 8, etc., and differs depending on the type of jackpot. In detail, an ending performance table (not shown) in which an ending performance is associated with each ending command is referenced, and an ending performance associated with the received ending command is selected. Then, an ending performance command for starting the ending performance of the selected content is set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120.

After the end of S137, or if it is determined that an ending command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S136: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a start winning command (first start winning command or second start winning command) has been received from the main control board 60 (S138). If it is determined that a start winning command has been received (S138: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a look-ahead performance determination process (S139). The look-ahead performance determination process is a process for determining whether or not to execute a look-ahead performance, and a notice pattern that determines the performance content of the look-ahead performance. After the execution of S139, or if it is determined that a start winning command has not been received (S138: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a special chart change start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S140). When it is determined that a special chart fluctuation start command has been received (S140: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a fluctuation performance start process (FIG. 18) described later (S141).

After S141 is completed, or if it is determined that the special chart change start command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S140: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the special chart change stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S142). If it is determined that the special chart change stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S142: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a change performance end process (S143). In this change performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a change performance end command to end the change performance in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120. When the set change performance end command is sent to the image control board 200 by the command sending process (S105), the image control board 200 displays the left performance pattern 7L, the center performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern 7R on the performance display device 7 after passing through a predetermined stop pattern.

After S143 is completed, or if it is determined that the special chart change stop command has not been received from the main control board 60 (S142: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S144) and ends this processing. In the other processing (S144), processing based on commands other than the above commands (for example, a regular chart change start command or a regular chart change stop command) is performed.

(Variable performance start processing)
Next, the variable performance start process (S141) will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received special chart fluctuation start command (S150). The special chart fluctuation start command includes information on the second special chart fluctuation pattern (first special chart fluctuation pattern) set in the second special chart fluctuation pattern selection process (first special chart fluctuation pattern selection process), the special chart stop pattern (jackpot type determination result), etc. Next, if the special chart fluctuation start command analyzed in S150 is the first special chart fluctuation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special chart reserved performance counter so as to synchronize with the first special chart reserved number, and if the special chart fluctuation start command is the second special chart fluctuation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the second special chart reserved performance counter so as to synchronize with the second special chart reserved number (S151). The first special chart reserved performance counter is a counter that counts a number corresponding to the first special chart reserved number based on the reception of the first start winning command, and the second special chart reserved performance counter is a counter that counts a number corresponding to the second special chart reserved number based on the reception of the second start winning command. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 shifts each data such as the start winning command stored in the special chart reserved performance storage unit to the older storage area (S152). In detail, when the variation start command analyzed in S150 is the second special chart variation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the second special chart reserved performance counter and shifts each data such as the start winning command stored in the second special chart reserved performance storage unit 122 to the older storage area. Similarly, if the variation start command analyzed in S150 is the first special chart variation start command, the performance control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special chart reserved performance counter, and shifts each data such as the start winning command stored in the first special chart reserved performance memory unit 121 to the older memory area. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the combination of the left performance pattern 7L, the center performance pattern 7C, and the right performance pattern 7R that are finally determined and displayed when the performance display device 7 displays the variable performance pattern by referring to the performance pattern selection table (not shown) (S153).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance content selection process (S154). As the performance content selection process, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the performance content (variable performance pattern) to be performed in conjunction with the variation of the performance pattern from a variable performance pattern selection table (not shown) based on the specified special pattern variation pattern.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the preview performance content selection process described later (S155), and sets a variable performance start command in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120 to cause the performance display device 7 to start displaying the selected performance symbol, variable performance pattern, and preview performance (S156). The variable performance start command also includes performance image data for displaying the performance symbol on the performance display device 7. Then, by setting the variable performance start command including the performance image data in the transmission buffer of the RAM 120, the performance image data is output to the image control board 200 in the output process of the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S111). As a result, the performance symbol and performance image based on the performance image data are displayed on the performance display device 7. The performance control microcomputer 101 then ends this process.

(Regarding volume changes)
In this embodiment, when the setting change screen G1 as shown in Fig. 19(a) is displayed on the performance display device 7, if the operation button 36 is operated to select the item "volume adjustment", a level meter screen G2 showing the volume level in stages is displayed. Then, when the level meter screen G2 is displayed, pressing the up operation button 36x increases the volume level of the level meter M, and pressing the down operation button 36y decreases the volume level of the level meter M.

In this embodiment, ten volume levels are set from "1" to "10". Volume level "10" corresponds to the maximum volume among the volumes corresponding to volume levels "1" to "10". Meanwhile, volume level "1" refers to the minimum volume among the volumes corresponding to volume levels "1" to "10". In other words, on the level meter screen G2, the higher the volume level number, the higher the volume output from the speaker 8, and the lower the volume level number, the lower the volume output from the speaker 8. Note that volume level "0" refers to silence.

When the volume level is changed by operating the operation button 36, as shown in FIG. 19(a), the lighting state of each gauge constituting the level meter M changes, and the current volume level is indicated by the number of lit gauges. In the example of FIG. 19(a), the gauges corresponding to the volume levels "1" to "6" are lit, indicating that the volume level is "6". In this state, pressing the upper operation button 36x once will set the volume level to "7", while pressing the lower operation button 36y once will set the volume level to "5". Note that a state in which none of the gauges are lit indicates that the volume level is "0", that is, no sound. Then, in response to the operation of the operation button 36, the performance control microcomputer 101 transmits a volume level command to the audio control board 78, and the audio control microcomputer 78a that receives the command can output sound from the speaker 8 at the volume level corresponding to the command.

The number of volume level stages is not limited to 10. Also, as long as the player can recognize the current volume level, there is no need to display the level meter M on the performance display device 7, and it is possible to simply display a number indicating the volume level. Also, the same number of lamps as the number of volume level stages may be provided, and the same number of lamps as the current volume level may be lit. In this embodiment, the performance display device 7 that displays the level meter screen G2 indicating the volume level in stages is an example of the "stage display means" of the present invention.

In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the volume level can be changed by operating the operation button 36, but in addition, the volume corresponding to the volume level "10", which is the highest level among the levels that make up the level meter M, can be set to a volume of the player's choice. In addition, the range of increase/decrease in the volume (pitch range) that increases/decreases as the volume level increases/decreases can also be set to a value of the player's choice.

In other words, in conventional pachinko gaming machines, even if a player felt that the volume corresponding to volume level "10" was low, the volume corresponding to volume level "10" was a value already determined by the gaming machine, and so the volume could not be increased any further. Similarly, the pitch width of the volume that increases or decreases as the volume level increases or decreases was also a value already determined by the gaming machine. For this reason, even if one wanted to set a volume that was halfway between volume level "4" and volume level "5", for example, because the pitch width was fixed, it was not possible to set a volume that was equivalent to the intermediate value by operating the operation button 36, and only a volume corresponding to either volume level "4" or volume level "5" was output.

However, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to change the volume corresponding to the volume level "10", which is the highest of the stages that make up the level meter M, to any volume. Similarly, the pitch width of the volume that increases or decreases as the volume level increases or decreases can also be set to any range according to the player's preference. In the following explanation, the volume level that is the highest of the stages that make up the level meter M (volume level "10" in this example) may simply be referred to as the "maximum volume level".

The setting change screen G1 displayed when setting the volume and pitch width corresponding to the maximum volume level may be displayed only during the standby state, or may be displayed appropriately by the player operating the operating means regardless of whether the game is in the standby state or not. In other words, the setting change screen G1 may be displayed by the player operating the operating means even during the pattern change or jackpot game, so that the volume and pitch width corresponding to the maximum volume level can be set during the pattern change or jackpot game. However, in order not to reduce the visibility of the pattern change or jackpot game, it is preferable to make the setting change screen G1 a semi-transparent image, for example, when the setting change screen G1 is displayed over the display screen during the pattern change or jackpot game. As a result, even if a certain player sets a specific volume setting item (volume and pitch width corresponding to the maximum volume level "10"), the next player who plays the game can change it according to his or her preference. In addition, this volume setting item may be reset to a default value when a predetermined reset condition is met. Examples of reset conditions include turning off the power to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and pressing the RAM clear switch 66.

The control for changing the volume and pitch range corresponding to the maximum volume level will be described in detail below.
(Volume change corresponding to maximum volume level "10")
When the setting change screen G1 as shown in FIG. 19(b) is displayed, if the operation button 36 is operated to select the item "Change maximum volume," a volume setting screen G3 for setting the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is displayed.

In the volume setting screen G3, the volume of the tens digit and the volume of the ones digit can be set from "0" to "9" as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10". Specifically, the volume setting screen G3 includes a volume setting box G3a corresponding to the tens digit and a volume setting box G3b corresponding to the ones digit as components. Then, with the volume setting box G3a selected with the cursor C, the value of the volume setting box G3a increases by one every time the up operation button 36x is pressed once. This operation increases the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" by 10 dB. Similarly, with the volume setting box G3a selected with the cursor C, the value of the volume setting box G3a decreases by one every time the down operation button 36y is pressed once. This operation decreases the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" by 10 dB.

In addition, each time the up operation button 36x is pressed once while the volume setting box G3b is selected with cursor C, the value in the volume setting box G3b increases by one. This operation increases the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" by 1 dB. Similarly, each time the down operation button 36y is pressed once while the volume setting box G3b is selected with cursor C, the value in the volume setting box G3b decreases by one. This operation decreases the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" by 1 dB.

Then, the player operates the operation button 36 to set any numerical value in the volume setting boxes G3a and G3b, and then selects and confirms the item "Confirm." This determines that the volume set by the player is the volume that corresponds to the maximum volume level "10."

In this embodiment, the maximum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (in this example, "90 dB") is set as the default volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10". Therefore, the performance control microcomputer 101 can identify the maximum volume value to be set from the number of times the operation button 36 is operated, that is, the number of times the operation signal output from the operation button 36 is input, and instruct the sound control board 78 to set the volume value to the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10".

For example, suppose that the volume setting box G3a is selected and the down operation button 36y is operated three times and the up operation button 36x is operated once. Similarly, suppose that the volume setting box G3b is selected and the down operation button 36y is operated four times and the up operation button 36x is operated twice. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 recognizes that the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is "68 dB", which is obtained by subtracting "22 dB" from the default value "90 dB". The performance control microcomputer 101 then sends a volume change instruction command to the audio control board 78 to change the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" and to instruct the specific volume value (for example, the audio control process in FIG. 16).

However, if a value greater than the maximum volume value that can be set on the pachinko gaming machine 1 ("90 dB" in this example) is selected as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", it is not possible to set a volume greater than this maximum volume value. In other words, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" can only be set from within a predetermined range of volumes (90 dB or less in this example). Therefore, for example, a warning screen such as "Please change the maximum volume value" may be displayed on the volume setting screen G3 shown in FIG. 19(b) to allow the user to select the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" again.

In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101, which changes the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" based on the operation of the operation button 36, is an example of a "volume setting means" in the present invention. In addition, the default value of the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is not limited to the maximum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, but may be a value of 90 dB or less, or "0 dB" may be associated as the default value.

(Pitch width change)
Next, when the setting change screen G1 as shown in FIG. 19(c) is displayed, if the operation button 36 is operated to select the item "change pitch width", a pitch width setting screen G4 is displayed in which the pitch width of the volume that increases or decreases as the volume level of the level meter M increases or decreases by one step.

In the pitch width setting screen G4, the volume of the tens digit and the volume of the ones digit can be set from "0" to "9" as the pitch width of the volume that increases or decreases as the volume level of the level meter M increases or decreases by one step. Specifically, the pitch width setting screen G4 includes a pitch width setting box G4a corresponding to the tens digit and a pitch width setting box G4b corresponding to the ones digit as components. Then, with the pitch width setting box G4a selected with the cursor C, the value of the pitch width setting box G4a increases by one each time the up operation button 36x is pressed once. Similarly, with the pitch width setting box G4a selected with the cursor C, the value of the pitch width setting box G4a decreases by one each time the down operation button 36y is pressed once. With this single operation, the volume increases or decreases in 10 dB increments in accordance with the increase or decrease in the volume level of the level meter M.

In addition, with the pitch width setting box G4b selected with cursor C, each time the up operation button 36x is pressed once, the value in the pitch width setting box G4b increases by one. Similarly, with the pitch width setting box G4b selected with cursor C, each time the down operation button 36y is pressed once, the value in the pitch width setting box G4b decreases by one. With this single operation, the volume increases or decreases in 1 dB increments in accordance with the increase or decrease in the volume level on the level meter M.

Then, the player operates the operation button 36 to set any numerical value in the pitch width setting boxes G4a and G4b, and then selects and confirms the item "Confirm." This determines the arbitrary pitch width set by the player as the pitch width of the volume that increases or decreases as the volume level of the level meter M increases or decreases by one step.

In this embodiment, the default value for the pitch width is set to "1 dB." Therefore, the performance control microcomputer 101 can determine the pitch width to be set from the number of times the operation button 36 is operated, that is, the number of times the operation signal output from the operation button 36 is input, and instruct the audio control board 78 to set the pitch width to the pitch width of the volume that increases or decreases as the level meter M increases or decreases by one step.

For example, suppose that the up operation button 36x is operated once while the pitch width setting box G4a is selected. Similarly, suppose that the up operation button 36x is operated twice while the pitch width setting box G4b is selected. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 recognizes that the pitch width is to be "13 dB" by adding "12 dB" to the default value "1 dB". The performance control microcomputer 101 then sends a pitch width change instruction command to the voice control board 78 to change the pitch width and to instruct the specific pitch width (for example, the voice control process in FIG. 16).

In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101, which changes the amount of increase or decrease in the volume that is increased or decreased as the number of stages increases or decreases based on the operation of the operation button 36, is an example of a "volume setting means" in the present invention. In addition, the default value of the pitch range is not limited to the example described above.

Then, the audio control microcontroller 78a, which receives a volume change instruction command and a pitch range change instruction command from the performance control microcontroller 101, identifies the volume corresponding to each volume level that constitutes the level meter M according to these commands.

20 shows the volume correspondence table T2 stored in the ROM of the sound control microcomputer 78a. In the volume correspondence table T2, the maximum volume that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (90 dB in this example) is set as the maximum value in the table T2, and the minimum volume that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (excluding 0 dB) is set as the minimum value in the table T2, and volume values located between these maximum and minimum values are extracted at a predetermined interval. In this example, the maximum value is "90 dB" and the minimum value is "0.5 dB", and the following values are extracted: "90 dB", "89.5 dB", "89 dB", "88.5 dB", "
A plurality of volume values are defined in a matrix at 0.5 dB intervals, such as "88 dB", "1.5 dB", "1 dB", and "0.5 dB". Note that the volumes defined in the volume correspondence table T2 do not have to be limited to 0.5 dB intervals, and may be 0.1 dB intervals, 0.3 dB intervals, 1 dB intervals, etc.

Then, the audio control microcomputer 78a, in accordance with the contents of the volume change instruction command, refers to the volume correspondence table T2 to identify the volume that corresponds to the maximum volume level "10". At the same time, the audio control microcomputer 78a, in accordance with the contents of the pitch width change instruction command, refers to the volume correspondence table T2 to identify the volume that corresponds to each volume level that constitutes the level meter M. At this point, the volume that corresponds to the maximum volume level "10" and the pitch width between each volume level have been determined, but the volume that corresponds to each volume level has not yet been identified.

For example, if the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" specified by the volume change command is "85 dB", the audio control microcomputer 78a identifies "85 dB" from the volume correspondence table T2 and identifies "85 dB" as the volume corresponding to the volume level "10". Also, if the pitch width specified by the pitch width change command is "8 dB", the audio control microcomputer 78a identifies the volume corresponding to each volume level according to the pitch width "8 dB" from the volume correspondence table T2. In this example, the audio control microcomputer 78a identifies "85-8=77 dB" from the volume correspondence table T2 as the volume corresponding to the volume level "9". Similarly, it identifies "77-8=69 dB" as the volume corresponding to the volume level "8". It identifies "69-8=61 dB" as the volume corresponding to the volume level "7". It identifies "61-8=53 dB" as the volume corresponding to the volume level "6". The volume corresponding to volume level "5" is identified as "53-8=45 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "4" is identified as "45-8=37 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "3" is identified as "37-8=29 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "2" is identified as "29-8=21 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "1" is identified as "21-8=13 dB". It is desirable to temporarily store the volumes corresponding to each identified volume level, for example, in the RAM of the audio control microcomputer 78a.

After that, when the volume level is changed by operating the operation button 36 while the level meter screen G2 shown in FIG. 19(a) is displayed, and a volume level command is sent from the sub-control board 100, the audio control microcomputer 78a controls the amplifier 78e to output audio at a volume corresponding to the specified volume level. Specifically, the audio control microcomputer 78a identifies the volume level specified by the received volume level command, and identifies the volume corresponding to that volume level by reading the contents stored in the RAM. Then, the audio control microcomputer 78a outputs a volume level signal to the volume level setting circuit 78f so that audio is output at the specified volume, and audio is output from the speaker 8 based on the amplification factor set by the volume level setting circuit 78f. Note that the volume level signal may include both the volume level and the volume value corresponding to that volume level.

In this way, the audio control microcomputer 78a specifies the volume corresponding to each volume level according to the pitch width instructed by the sub-control board 100 by operating the operation button 36. As a result, in this embodiment, the audio control microcomputer 78a is an example of the "volume setting means" in the present invention. Also, when the operation button 36 is operated with the level meter screen G2 shown in FIG. 19(a) displayed, a volume level command is transmitted from the sub-control board 100 to the audio control board 78. Then, the audio control microcomputer 78a that receives the volume level command changes the volume output from the speaker 8. As a result, in this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the number of volume steps in stages is an example of the "changing means" in the present invention. Similarly, in this embodiment, the audio control microcomputer 78a that changes the number of volume steps in stages is an example of the "changing means" in the present invention. Also, the audio control board 78 is an example of the "sound control means" in the present invention.

In addition, apart from the control by the audio control board 78, when the volume level is changed by operating the operation button 36, the image control board 200 controls the performance display device 7 to light up the number of gauges corresponding to the current volume level according to an instruction command (which may be a volume level command) from the performance control microcomputer 101.

In addition, the volume correspondence table T2 may not be provided, and the voice control microcomputer 78a may determine the volume corresponding to each volume level by calculation according to the determined pitch width. In addition, if the value of "pitch width x 9 (corresponding to the remaining number of steps excluding volume level "10")" is greater than the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the determined pitch width will not be able to determine the volume corresponding to all volume levels. In such a case, for example, after the pitch width is determined, a warning screen such as "Please change the pitch width" may be displayed on the pitch width setting screen G4 shown in FIG. 19(c) to allow the user to select the pitch width again. Alternatively, the voice control microcomputer 78a may determine a new pitch width without adopting the determined pitch width, so that the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is used as a base and the volume can always be associated with all volume levels.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the maximum volume value that can be set is "90 dB," but this maximum volume value may be changed on a specific setting screen or by operating a specific operating means. For example, a specific volume value is set as the maximum volume value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in accordance with various ordinances, laws, regulations, etc., and the specifications of the model are finalized, but then the various ordinances, laws, regulations, etc. are revised, making it impossible to use the volume of the finalized specifications as the maximum volume value. In such a case, even after the specifications have been finalized, the maximum volume value must be set in accordance with the ordinances, laws, regulations, etc.

Therefore, for example, a setting may be adopted that allows the maximum volume value and the minimum volume value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be changed appropriately by operating a specific operating means. For example, an operation screen for changing the maximum volume value and the minimum volume value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be displayed by operating the RAM clear switch 66, which cannot be operated by the player. Also, an operation screen for changing the maximum volume value and the minimum volume value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be displayed only when a special password known only to employees of the gaming machine manufacturer or hall personnel is entered. Also, an operation screen for changing the maximum volume value and the minimum volume value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be displayed only when the performance button 9 or the operation button 36 is operated by a special operation method known only to employees of the gaming machine manufacturer or hall personnel. Also, instead of the RAM clear switch 66, a dedicated change switch may be provided on the back of the machine. Then, by changing and setting the maximum volume value and the minimum volume value on the operation screen displayed by operating the RAM clear switch 66, etc., it becomes possible to change the range of the volume that constitutes the specified range of the volume that can be set on the pachinko gaming machine 1.

By making it possible to reset the maximum and minimum volume values through such operations, it becomes possible to change the maximum and minimum volume values even after specifications have been finalized, at the time of shipment from the factory, or after installation in the hall. This makes it possible to change the range of volumes that constitute the specified range of volumes that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Changing the range of volumes that constitute this specified range is performed on the operation screen that is displayed by operating the RAM clear switch 66, so in this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 66 is an example of a "volume range changing means" in the present invention.

(Volume change procedure)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 21, an operation will be described when the volume and pitch width corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" are changed to values arbitrarily selected by the player.

Figure 21 (a) shows an example where the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is set to "84 dB" and the pitch width is set to "4 dB". In this example, the volume corresponding to volume level "10" is "84 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "9" is "84-4 = 80 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "8" is "80-4 = 76 dB", and the volume corresponding to volume level "7" is "76-4 = 72 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "6" is "72-4 = 68 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "5" is "68-4 = 64 dB", and the volume corresponding to volume level "4" is "64-4 = 60 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "3" is "60-4 = 56 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "2" is "56-4 = 52 dB", and the volume corresponding to volume level "1" is "52-4 = 48 dB".

Figure 21 (b) shows an example where the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is set to "50 dB" and the pitch width is set to "5 dB". In this example, the volume corresponding to volume level "10" is "50 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "9" is "50-5 = 45 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "8" is "45-5 = 40 dB", and the volume corresponding to volume level "7" is "40-5 = 35 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "6" is "35-5 = 30 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "5" is "30-5 = 25 dB", and the volume corresponding to volume level "4" is "25-5 = 20 dB". The volume corresponding to volume level "3" is "20-5 = 15 dB", the volume corresponding to volume level "2" is "15-5 = 10 dB", and the volume corresponding to volume level "1" is "10-5 = 5 dB".

In the examples of Figures 21(a) and 21(b), the volume level is "6" in both cases, but because the volume and pitch width corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" are different, the volume of the sound output will be different even though the volume level is the same "6." That is, although the display format on the level meter screen G2 is the same, in the example of Figure 21(a), sound is output at 68 dB, while in the example of Figure 21(b), sound is output at 30 dB.

[Effects of the First Embodiment]
(1) By implementing the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the volume corresponding to each stage of the level meter M can be set to any volume by the player operating the operation button 36 (operation means). As a result, it becomes possible for the player to independently adjust the volume according to his/her preference.

(2) In addition, by setting an arbitrary volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" (highest stage) among the stages shown on the performance display device 7 (stage display means) and a pitch width (volume increase/decrease range) that increases/decreases as the number of stages increases/decreases based on the operation of the operation button 36, it is possible to set the volume corresponding to each stage. As a result, the volume corresponding to each stage is actively determined. In addition, by setting the volume and pitch width according to the player's preference, it is possible for the player to independently adjust the volume.

(3) In addition, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" that can be set based on the operation of the operation button 36 is within a predetermined range. Even if the player can set any volume using the operation button 36, the settable volume falls within a range that is predetermined for the gaming machine, so there is no risk of the volume not being able to be output that corresponds to the set value.

(4) In addition, the range of the volume that constitutes the specified range can be changed by operating a RAM clear switch 66 (volume range changing means) that cannot be operated by the player. As a result, even if various ordinances, laws, regulations, etc. are revised after the specifications are finalized or at the time of shipping from the factory, and the volume of the finalized specifications can no longer be used as the maximum volume value, the range of the volume that constitutes the specified range can be freely changed without being affected by these revisions.

(5) Even if a volume switch, which is a physical means that can be operated to change the range of volumes that constitute the specified range, is not provided, by making it possible to use an existing device such as a RAM clear switch 66 as a means for changing the volume range, the range of volumes that constitute the specified range can be changed without relying on the operation of a volume switch, which leads to improved convenience.

(6) By providing a volume range changing means that cannot be operated by the player, such as the RAM clear switch 66, the volume range that constitutes the specified range can be changed depending on the activity of the hall, etc., which ultimately makes it possible for the hall to independently adjust the volume.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Also, the same reference numerals and terms will be used for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment or similar corresponding configurations, and some or all of the drawings will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the volume and pitch width corresponding to the minimum volume level can be set to any value by the player. Instead, in the second embodiment, the volume and pitch width corresponding to the minimum volume level and the maximum volume level can be set to any value by the player, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 sets the pitch width based on these volumes. This is explained in detail below.

(Volume change corresponding to maximum volume level "10")
The setting change screen G1 and the level meter screen G2 shown in FIG. 22(a) are the same as the setting change screen G1 and the level meter screen G2 (FIG. 19(a)) described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

When the setting change screen G1 as shown in FIG. 22(b) is displayed, if the operation button 36 is operated to select the item "Change maximum volume," a volume setting screen G3 for setting the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is displayed.

Similar to the volume setting screen G3 (FIG. 19(b)) described in the first embodiment, in the volume setting screen G3 in the second embodiment, the volume of the tens digit and the volume of the ones digit can each be set from "0" to "9" as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10."

Then, the player operates the operation button 36 to set any numerical value in the volume setting boxes G3a and G3b, and then selects and confirms the item "Confirm." This determines that the volume set by the player is the volume that corresponds to the maximum volume level "10."

Also, as in the first embodiment, if a value greater than the maximum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 ("90 dB" in this example) is selected as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", a volume greater than this maximum volume value cannot be set. In other words, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" can only be set from within a predetermined range of volumes (90 dB or less in this example).

(Volume change corresponding to minimum volume level "1")
When the setting change screen G1 as shown in FIG. 22(c) is displayed, if the operation button 36 is operated to select the item "Change minimum volume," a volume setting screen G5 for setting the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" is displayed.

In the volume setting screen G5, the volume for the tens digit and the volume for the ones digit can be set from "0" to "9" as the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1". Specifically, the volume setting screen G5 includes a volume setting box G5a corresponding to the tens digit and a volume setting box G5b corresponding to the ones digit as components. Then, with the volume setting box G5a selected with the cursor C, the value in the volume setting box G5a increases by one each time the up operation button 36x is pressed once. This operation increases the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" by 10 dB. Similarly, with the volume setting box G5a selected with the cursor C, the value in the volume setting box G5a decreases by one each time the down operation button 36y is pressed once. This operation decreases the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" by 10 dB.

In addition, each time the up operation button 36x is pressed once while the volume setting box G5b is selected with cursor C, the value in the volume setting box G5b increases by one. This operation increases the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" by 1 dB. Similarly, each time the down operation button 36y is pressed once while the volume setting box G5b is selected with cursor C, the value in the volume setting box G5b decreases by one. This operation decreases the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" by 1 dB.

Then, the player operates the operation button 36 to set any numerical value in the volume setting boxes G5a and G5b, and then selects and confirms the item "Confirm." This determines that the volume set by the player is the volume that corresponds to the minimum volume level "1."

In this embodiment, the minimum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (in this example, "1 dB") is defined as the default volume value corresponding to the minimum volume level "1". Therefore, the performance control microcomputer 101 can identify the minimum volume value to be set from the number of times the operation button 36 is operated, that is, the number of times the operation signal output from the operation button 36 is input, and instruct the sound control board 78 to set that volume value to the volume value corresponding to the minimum volume level "1".

For example, suppose that the volume setting box G5a is selected and the up operation button 36x is operated three times and the down operation button 36y is operated once. Similarly, suppose that the volume setting box G5b is selected and the up operation button 36x is operated four times and the down operation button 36y is operated twice. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 adds "22 dB" to the default value "1 dB" and recognizes that "23 dB" is the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1". The performance control microcomputer 101 then sends a volume change instruction command to the audio control board 78 to change the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" and to specify a specific volume value (for example, the audio control process in FIG. 16).

However, if a value smaller than the minimum volume value that can be set on the pachinko gaming machine 1 ("1 dB" in this example) is selected as the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", it is not possible to set a volume smaller than this minimum volume value. In other words, the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" can only be set from within a predetermined range of volumes (1 dB or more in this example). Therefore, for example, a warning screen such as "Please change the minimum volume value" may be displayed on the volume setting screen G5 shown in FIG. 22(c) to allow the user to select the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" again.

In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" based on the operation of the operation button 36 is an example of a "volume setting means" in the present invention. Similarly, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" based on the operation of the operation button 36 is an example of a "volume setting means" in the present invention.

The default volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is not limited to the maximum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, but may be a value of 90 dB or less, or "0 dB" may be associated as the default value. Similarly, the default volume value corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" is not limited to the minimum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, but may be a value of 2 dB or more, or "0 dB" may be associated as the default value.

(Pitch width setting)
The audio control microcomputer 78a receives from the performance control microcomputer 101 a volume change instruction command for a volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and a volume change instruction command for a volume corresponding to the minimum volume level, and in accordance with these commands, sets the pitch width and specifies the volume corresponding to each volume level that constitutes the level meter M. Incidentally, this embodiment does not have a table like the volume correspondence table T2 described in the first embodiment, and the audio control microcomputer 78a calculates the pitch width and the volume corresponding to each volume level that constitutes the level meter M by calculation.

The pitch width can be calculated by the following formula:
Pitch width = (volume value corresponding to maximum volume level - volume value corresponding to minimum volume level) / (N - 1 (N: number of steps constituting the level meter))
Therefore, for example, if the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is "90 dB" and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" is "9 dB," then the pitch width is (90-9)/(10-1)=9 dB. Note that the method of calculating the pitch width is not limited to this example, as long as the pitch width can be calculated.

Then, the audio control microcontroller 78a, having calculated the pitch width, identifies the volume corresponding to each volume level that constitutes the level meter M according to the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level, the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level, and the calculated pitch width.

In this example, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level is "90 dB", the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level is "9 dB", and the pitch width is "9 dB", so the audio control microcomputer 78a identifies "9 + 9 = 18 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "2". It also identifies "18 + 9 = 27 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "3". Similarly, it identifies "27 + 9 = 36 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "4". It identifies "36 + 9 = 45 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "5". It identifies "45 + 9 = 54 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "6". It identifies "54 + 9 = 63 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "7". It identifies "63 + 9 = 72 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "8". It identifies "72 + 9 = 81 dB" as the volume corresponding to volume level "9". It is desirable to temporarily store the volume corresponding to each identified volume level, for example, in the RAM of the audio control microcomputer 78a.

After that, when the volume level is changed by operating the operation button 36 while the level meter screen G2 shown in FIG. 22(a) is displayed, and a volume level command is sent from the sub-control board 100, the audio control microcomputer 78a controls the amplifier 78e to output audio at a volume corresponding to the specified volume level. Specifically, the audio control microcomputer 78a identifies the volume level specified by the received volume level command, and identifies the volume corresponding to that volume level by reading the memory contents of the RAM. Then, the audio control microcomputer 78a outputs a volume level signal to the volume level setting circuit 78f so that audio is output at the specified volume, and audio is output from the speaker 8 based on the amplification factor set by the volume level setting circuit 78f. Note that the volume level signal may include both the volume level and the volume value corresponding to that volume level.

In this way, the voice control microcomputer 78a calculates the pitch width according to the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level instructed by the sub-control board 100 by operating the operation button 36. Then, the voice control microcomputer 78a specifies the volume corresponding to each volume level according to the calculated pitch width. As a result, in this embodiment, the voice control microcomputer 78a is an example of the "volume setting means" in the present invention. Also, when the operation button 36 is operated with the level meter screen G2 shown in FIG. 22 (a) displayed, a volume level command is transmitted from the sub-control board 100 to the voice control board 78. Then, the voice control microcomputer 78a that receives the volume level command changes the volume output from the speaker 8. As a result, in this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the number of volume steps in stages is an example of the "changing means" in the present invention. Similarly, in this embodiment, the voice control microcomputer 78a that changes the number of volume steps in stages is an example of the "changing means" in the present invention. Additionally, the audio control board 78 is an example of the "sound control means" of the present invention.

In addition, if a value greater than the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is selected as the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", a warning screen such as "Please change the volume value" may be displayed on the volume setting screen G5 shown in FIG. 22(c) to prompt the player to select the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level again. Alternatively, the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level may be determined on the voice control microcomputer 78a side based on the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" determined by the player. Conversely, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level may be determined on the voice control microcomputer 78a side based on the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" determined by the player.

Also, as explained in the previous embodiment, the setting change screen G1 may be displayed by the player operating the operating means even during pattern change or jackpot play, so that the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level, the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level, and the pitch width may be set even during pattern change or jackpot play.

(Volume change procedure)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 23, an operation will be described when the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" are changed to values of the player's choice.

Figure 23 (a) shows an example where the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is set to "84 dB" and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" is set to "3 dB". In this example, the pitch width is "(84-3)/(10-1)=9 dB. Therefore, the volume corresponding to the volume level "9" is "84-9=75 dB", the volume corresponding to the volume level "8" is "75-9=66 dB", and the volume corresponding to the volume level "7" is "66-9=57 dB". The volume corresponding to the volume level "6" is "57-9=48 dB", the volume corresponding to the volume level "5" is "48-9=39 dB", and the volume corresponding to the volume level "4" is "39-9=30 dB". The volume corresponding to the volume level "3" is "30-9=21 dB", and the volume corresponding to the volume level "2" is "21-9=12 dB".

FIG. 23B shows an example in which the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is set to "50 dB" and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" is set to "5 dB". In this example, the pitch width is "(50-5)/(10-1)=5 dB. Therefore, the volume corresponding to the volume level "9" is "50-5=45 dB", the volume corresponding to the volume level "8" is "45-5=40 dB", and the volume corresponding to the volume level "7" is "40-5=35 dB". The volume corresponding to the volume level "6" is "35-5=30 dB", the volume corresponding to the volume level "5" is "30-5=25 dB", and the volume corresponding to the volume level "4" is "25-5=20 dB". The volume corresponding to the volume level "3" is "20-5=15 dB", and the volume corresponding to the volume level "2" is "15-5=10 dB".

In the examples of Figures 23(a) and 23(b), the volume level is "6" in both cases, but because the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", and the pitch width are different, the volume of the sound output will be different even though the volume level is the same "6". That is, although the display format on the level meter screen G2 is the same, in the example of Figure 23(a), the sound is output at 48 dB, while in the example of Figure 23(b), the sound is output at 30 dB.

[Effects of the second embodiment]
(1) By implementing the pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level 10 (highest level) among the levels constituting the level meter M can be set to any volume by the player operating the operation button 36 (operation means). As a result, it becomes possible for the player to independently adjust the volume according to his/her preference.

(2) In addition, an arbitrary volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" (highest level) and an arbitrary volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" (lowest level) among the levels shown on the performance display device 7 (level display means) are set based on the operation of the operation button 36 by the player. Then, a pitch width (the increase/decrease width of the volume that increases/decreases as the number of levels increases/decreases) is set based on the volume corresponding to the set maximum volume level "10" and the volume corresponding to the set minimum volume level "1". In other words, if the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" and the minimum volume level "1" is set arbitrarily according to the player's preference, the pitch width at each level is inevitably determined within that range. In addition, every time the player sets a different volume as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" and the minimum volume level "1", a new pitch width at each level is inevitably determined. In other words, it becomes possible for the player to independently adjust the volume.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. Also, the same reference numerals and terms will be used for the same configurations as the first and second embodiments or similar corresponding configurations, and some or all of the drawings will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, when the volume output from the speaker 8 is changed by operating the operation button 36 while the level meter screen M2 as shown in FIG. 19(a) or FIG. 22(a) is displayed, the frequency of occurrence of a particular preview performance is also changed in accordance with the change in volume. This will be explained in detail below.

In this embodiment, a preview performance can be executed while the special chart is changing, and if it is decided to execute a preview performance, the performance content of the preview performance is determined in the preview performance content selection process (S155).

(Preview performance selection table T3)
The preview performance selection table T3 shown in FIG. 24 is a table that is referenced to determine the performance content of the preview performance in the preview performance content selection process (S155).

The preview performance selection table T3 is associated with a selectable preview performance pattern for each special chart change pattern. In the preview performance selection table T3, a predetermined number of preview performance random numbers are associated with each preview performance pattern so that one of the preview performance patterns can be selected according to the type of the specified special chart change pattern (specific numbers are not shown).

Preview performance pattern Y1 is a pattern that specifies "first performance" as the performance content of the preview performance. Preview performance pattern Y2 is a pattern that specifies "second performance" as the performance content of the preview performance. Preview performance pattern Y3 is a pattern that specifies "third performance" as the performance content of the preview performance. Preview performance pattern Y4 is a pattern that specifies "fourth performance" as the performance content of the preview performance. Preview performance pattern Y5 is a pattern that specifies "fifth performance" as the performance content of the preview performance. Preview performance pattern Y6 is a pattern that specifies "sixth performance" as the performance content of the preview performance.

When the special chart change pattern P1 (SP reach) for a jackpot is specified, the preview performance random number value is associated so that one of the preview performance patterns Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5 is selected.

When special chart change pattern P2 (normal reach) for a jackpot is specified, a preview performance random number value is associated so that one of preview performance patterns Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5 is selected. However, the preview performance random number value is associated so that the selection rate of preview performance patterns Y1, Y2, and Y3 is lower than the selection rate when special chart change pattern P1 is specified.

When the special chart change pattern P3 (SP reach) for a reach with miss is specified, the preview performance random number value is associated so that one of the preview performance patterns Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, and Y6 is selected.

When special chart change pattern P4 (normal reach) for reach with miss is specified, the preview performance random number is associated so that one of preview performance pattern Y2, preview performance pattern Y3, preview performance pattern Y4, preview performance pattern Y5, and preview performance pattern Y6 is selected. However, the preview performance random number is associated so that the selection rate of preview performance patterns Y2 and Y3 is lower than the selection rate when special chart change pattern P3 is specified.

In addition, when the special chart variation patterns P1 and P2 for a jackpot are specified, the preview performance pattern Y1 can be selected, but when the special chart variation patterns P3 and P4 for a reach and miss are specified, the preview performance random number value is not associated so that the preview performance pattern Y1 is not selected. Similarly, when the special chart variation patterns P3 and P4 for a reach and miss are specified, the preview performance pattern Y6 can be selected, but when the special chart variation patterns P1 and P2 for a jackpot are specified, the preview performance random number value is not associated so that the preview performance pattern Y6 is not selected.

When special chart change pattern P5 (normal change) for a no-reach miss is specified, the preview performance random number value is associated so that one of preview performance patterns Y4, Y5, and Y6 is selected.

When the special chart variation pattern P6 (normal variation) for a no-reach miss is specified, the preview performance random number value is associated so that one of the preview performance patterns Y4, Y5, and Y6 is selected. In the special chart variation patterns P5 and P6 for a no-reach miss, the preview performance random number value may be associated so that the selection ratio of the preview performance patterns Y4 to Y6 is the same.

When special chart fluctuation patterns P1, P2 for a jackpot are specified, the preview performance patterns Y1 to Y3 can be selected, but when special chart fluctuation patterns P5, P6 for a no-reach miss are specified, the preview performance random number value is not associated so that the preview performance patterns Y1 to Y3 are not selected. Similarly, when special chart fluctuation patterns P3, P4 for a reach miss are specified, the preview performance patterns Y2, Y3 can be selected, but when special chart fluctuation patterns P5, P6 for a no-reach miss are specified, the preview performance random number value is not associated so that the preview performance patterns Y2, Y3 are not selected.

Because the random number setting prevents the first performance from being selected when the winning combination is lost, the probability of winning (reliability) of the first performance is 100%. The second performance may be selected when the winning combination is lost, but a notice performance random number is associated with each of the special chart fluctuation patterns P1 to P4 so that the probability of winning when the second performance is executed is 90%. The third performance may be selected when the winning combination is lost, but a notice performance random number is associated with each of the special chart fluctuation patterns P1 to P4 so that the probability of winning when the third performance is executed is 70%. The fourth performance may be selected when the winning combination is lost, but a notice performance random number is associated with each of the special chart fluctuation patterns P1 to P6 so that the probability of winning when the fourth performance is executed is 50%. The fifth performance is more likely to be executed when the winning combination is lost than when the winning combination is lost, and a notice performance random number is associated with each of the special chart fluctuation patterns P1 to P6 so that the probability of winning when the fifth performance is executed is 30%. Additionally, the sixth effect can only be selected when you lose, and the chance of winning is 0%.

The second to fifth effects are played with the same content in the event of a jackpot and a miss. In other words, the probability of a jackpot (reliability) is calculated by the ratio of the number of times the preview effect is performed in the event of a jackpot to the number of times the preview effect is performed in the event of a miss. Note that the first effect has a 100% chance of winning, so it will not fail even if the first effect is performed. However, for the second and third effects, although the chance of a jackpot is high, the probability is not 100%, so it may fail even if the second or third effect is performed. For this reason, the second, third, fourth, and fifth effects that can be performed in the event of a miss are false effects that notify the player that a jackpot will not be won after performing effects that make the player expect a jackpot, i.e., "specific suggestion effects."

In this embodiment, the first, second, and third effects are classified as high reliability effects with a high probability of winning (reliability). The fourth and fifth effects are classified as medium reliability effects. The sixth effect is classified as low reliability effects. The preview effects are developed with high performance intensity in the order of sixth effect < fifth effect < fourth effect < third effect < second effect < first effect. In other words, the preview effects are developed with high performance intensity in the order of low reliability effect < medium reliability effect < high reliability effect. In this embodiment, the second and third effects correspond to the "first specific suggestion effect" which notifies the player that a jackpot will not be won after performing an effect that makes the player expect a jackpot with high reliability and has high performance intensity. The fourth and fifth effects correspond to the "second specific suggestion effect" which has lower performance intensity than the first specific suggestion effect.

In this embodiment, "high performance intensity" refers to a state in which the game performance is performed in a lively manner by increasing the output of the speaker 8, lamps such as the board lamp 2a, the movable body 15, etc., through which the game performance is performed. For example, for a game performance performed through the speaker 8, the louder the volume output from the speaker 8, the higher the "performance intensity." Conversely, the quieter the volume output from the speaker 8, the lower the "performance intensity."

For game effects performed by lamps such as the board lamp 2a, the greater the light intensity of the board lamp 2a, the higher the "effect intensity". Conversely, the lower the light intensity of the board lamp 2a, the lower the "effect intensity". For game effects performed by the movable body 15, the greater the amount of rotation of the movable body 15 or the stronger the vibration intensity, the higher the "effect intensity". Conversely, the greater the amount of rotation of the movable body 15 or the weaker the vibration intensity, the lower the "effect intensity". For lamps, for example, warm-colored luminous colors may be defined as "high-effect intensity" and cool-colored luminous colors may be defined as "low-effect intensity".

In addition, the first to sixth effects of this embodiment include display effects executed by the effect display device 7, as well as sound output effects that output sound from the speaker 8. In addition, the first to sixth effects may include light-emitting effects and movable body effects. In this example, the preview effect pattern is associated with the type of special chart fluctuation pattern, but multiple fluctuation effect patterns may be associated with one special chart fluctuation pattern, and the selection ratio of the preview effect pattern may be different for each type of fluctuation effect pattern. Also, the jackpot expectation rate described here is merely an example.

In the preview performance content selection process (S155), when a specific preview performance pattern is selected, the performance control microcomputer 101 adjusts the frequency of occurrence of the preview performance according to the performance intensity (in this example, the volume level) changed based on the operation of the operation button 36. The specific preview performance pattern in this embodiment is the "preview performance patterns Y2, Y3" which specify the second and third performances with relatively high performance intensity.

(Preview performance content selection process)
The preview performance content selection process (S155) will be described below with reference to FIG.
First, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects a preview performance pattern from the preview performance selection table T3 (FIG. 24) according to the specified special chart change pattern (S160). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 checks whether the specified special chart change pattern is a special chart change pattern for reach and miss (S161). If the specified special chart change pattern is the special chart change pattern P3 or the special chart change pattern P4 (S161: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 checks whether the selected preview performance pattern is the preview performance pattern Y2 or the preview performance pattern Y3 (S162). As described above, the second and third performances specified by the preview performance patterns Y2 and Y3 are preview performances with a relatively high expectation of a big win. Similarly, the second and third performances specified by the preview performance patterns Y2 and Y3 are preview performances with a relatively high performance intensity.

If the preview performance pattern is Y2 or Y3 (S162: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 checks the current volume level to adjust the occurrence frequency of the second and third performances according to the volume level changed based on the operation of the operation button 36 (S163). As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation button 36 is operated while the level meter screen G2 as shown in FIG. 19(a) is displayed, the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 8 is increased or decreased. As a result, the current volume level refers to the volume level set at the time of the judgment in S163. The current volume level can be confirmed, for example, by checking the volume level command created to be sent to the voice control board 78. In addition, when an operation signal is input from the operation button 36, the volume level is identified from the number of inputs, and the volume level is flag-managed in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 120, and the flag can also be read out to confirm the current volume level.

The performance control microcomputer 101 executes the following control so as to change the occurrence frequency of the preview performance based on the preview performance patterns Y2 and Y3 according to the current volume level. In this embodiment, the volume levels "1" to "3" are classified as a "low volume group," the volume levels "4" to "6" as a "medium volume group," and the volume levels "7" to "10" as a "high volume group." Then, in order to make the occurrence frequency of the second and third performances different for each of these volume groups, it is determined whether or not the preview performance is to be executed with different lottery probabilities.

If the current volume level is between "1" and "3" (S164: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines by lottery whether or not to actually execute the second and third preview performances in order to reduce the frequency of occurrence of the second and third performances (see S165 and FIG. 24). In S165, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not to execute the preview performance with a probability of 70/100, and determines whether or not to execute the preview performance with a probability of 30/100. In other words, even if the performance control microcomputer 101 has previously decided to execute the preview performance, there are cases where it determines whether or not to execute the preview performance with a probability of 30/100.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not it has been decided whether to execute the preview performance (S166). If it has not been decided whether to execute the preview performance (S166: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 will execute the preview performance as originally decided. As a result, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets data indicating the contents of the selected preview performance pattern in the transmission buffer of RAM 120 (S167), and ends this process. The data set in the transmission buffer is included in the variable performance start command of S156.

On the other hand, if the pattern is not special pattern P3 or special pattern P4 (S161: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S167 without performing a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pattern as in S165. In other words, if a special pattern for a big win or a special pattern for a no-reach miss has been specified, the execution of the preview performance will not be canceled and performances 1 to 6 will be executed normally at the current volume level.

In addition, if special chart change pattern P3 or special chart change pattern P4 is specified but not advance preview performance pattern Y2 or advance preview performance pattern Y3 (S162: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S167 without conducting a lottery to determine whether or not to execute as in S165. In other words, even if special chart change pattern P3 or P4 is specified, if it has been decided to execute an advance preview performance other than the second or third performance, the execution of the advance preview performance will not be canceled and will be executed normally at the current volume level.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the current volume level is not "1" to "3" (S164: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether the current volume level is "4" to "6" (S168). If the current volume level is "4" to "6" (S168: Yes), the performance control microcomputer 101 determines by lottery whether to actually execute the second and third preview performances in order to reduce the occurrence frequency of the second and third performances (see S169 and FIG. 24). In S169, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether the preview performance can be executed with a probability of 85/100, and determines whether the preview performance should be executed with a probability of 15/100. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 101 may determine whether to execute the preview performance with a probability of 15/100, even though it has previously decided to execute the preview performance. When the volume level is between "4" and "6," the possibility of deciding whether or not to execute the preview performance is set lower than when the volume level is between "1" and "3." In other words, the lower the volume level, the higher the possibility that the execution lottery will determine "no execution." As a result, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third performances may decrease as the volume level decreases. The performance control microcomputer 101 then proceeds to processing at S166.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the current volume level is not "4" to "6" (S168: No), the current volume level is one of "7" to "10". In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S167 without performing the execution possibility lottery as in S164 and S169. That is, even if the special chart variation pattern P3 or P4 is instructed, if the volume level is "7" to "10", the execution of the notice performance is not canceled, and the second and third performances are executed as usual. In other words, the higher the volume level, the lower the possibility that "execution impossible" is determined in the execution possibility lottery, so that the occurrence frequency of the second and third performances at the time of failure may increase with the increase in the volume level. However, the selection value of the second and third performances set in the notice performance selection table T3 is the upper limit, and the occurrence frequency of the second and third performances at the time of failure does not exceed the above-mentioned upper limit just because the volume level increases. In other words, "an increase in the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects" refers to a state in which the frequency of occurrence is relatively high compared to when the volume level is low.

In this way, in this embodiment, in the case of a jackpot or a miss with no reach, after deciding to execute the preview performance, no lottery is held again to see whether it can be executed. In other words, the frequency with which the preview performance occurs is not affected by the volume level. Similarly, even in the case of a miss with reach, if the fourth to sixth performances, which have relatively low performance intensity, are decided, no lottery is held again to see whether it can be executed after deciding to execute the preview performance, so the frequency with which the preview performance occurs is not affected by the volume level.

On the other hand, if the second or third effect is decided to be executed in a reach but miss situation, the lower the current volume level, the higher the probability that the execution lottery will decide "no execution", which may result in a decrease in the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects.

As mentioned above, the second and third effects are defined as preview effects with a relatively high performance intensity. In other words, the second and third effects are executed in a relatively lively performance mode, such as by outputting a loud sound from the speaker 8, by making the light output of the panel lamp 2a stronger, or by making the vibration intensity of the movable body 15 stronger, compared to the fourth to sixth effects. The second and third effects are also preview effects with a relatively high expectation (reliability) of a jackpot.

Players who prefer a high volume level prefer various effects to be executed in a lively manner, and therefore often do not mind if the lively second and third effects are executed but do not result in a jackpot. However, players who lower the volume level do so because they find it annoying when various effects are executed in a lively manner. If the performance intensity (particularly the volume) of various game effects is lowered in conjunction with this act of lowering the volume level, the various effects are executed with a low sound, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the player. However, lowering the volume level also reduces the performance intensity (particularly the volume) of the second and third effects, which have a relatively high performance intensity. In other words, although the second and third effects have the role of livening up the process leading up to a jackpot by executing the effects at a high performance intensity and building expectations for a jackpot, lowering the volume level prevents them from fulfilling their original role.

In this embodiment, by linking the player's action of lowering the volume level to the fact that the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects with high performance intensity when they fail can be reduced, the opportunities for the player to see the second and third effects that can no longer fulfill their intended role can be reduced, and the player can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable.

Since the first to sixth performances, which are a type of preview performance, include a display performance executed by the performance display device 7 and a sound output performance that outputs sound from the speaker 8, the performance control microcomputer 101 that instructs the image control board 200 and the sound control board 78 to execute the preview performance is an example of the "performance control means" in the present invention. The image control board 200 that receives an instruction from the performance control microcomputer 101 to display the preview performance on the performance display device 7, and the sound control board 78 that receives an instruction from the performance control microcomputer 101 to output sound from the speaker 8 are also examples of the "performance control means" in the present invention. In addition, the performance display device 7 that performs the display performance and the speaker 8 that performs the sound output performance are examples of the "performance execution means" in the present invention. In addition, when the operation button 36 is operated with the level meter screen G2 displayed, a volume level command is transmitted from the sub-control board 100 to the sound control board 78. Then, the sound control microcomputer 78a that receives the volume level command changes the volume output from the speaker 8. Thus, in this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the performance intensity is an example of the "performance intensity changing means" of the present invention. Similarly, the sound control microcomputer 78a is also an example of the "performance intensity changing means" of the present invention. Also, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the occurrence frequency of the second and third performances when a miss occurs according to the volume level changed by operating the operation button 36 is an example of the "occurrence frequency changing means" of the present invention. Note that the volume levels classified into each volume group may be changed as appropriate, and the probability of the execution possibility lottery may also be changed as appropriate.

In this example, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects when a winning combination is lost can be changed according to the current volume level. However, as in the first embodiment, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects when a winning combination is lost can be changed according to the volume determined as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10". For example, if a volume in the range of "90 dB" to "80 dB" is determined as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", a lottery for determining whether or not to execute the second and third effects can be omitted so that the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects when a winning combination is lost is not changed. On the other hand, if a volume in the range of "79 dB" to "60 dB" is determined as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the probability of execution of the second and third effects can be determined with 85/100, and the probability of execution of the second and third effects can be determined with 15/100. Also, when a volume of "59 dB" or less is determined as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the second and third effects may be determined to be executable with a probability of 70/100, and the second and third effects may be determined to be non-executable with a probability of 30/100. In other words, the higher the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the lower the possibility that "non-executable" is determined in the execution lottery. Therefore, as the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" increases, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects when the game is lost may increase. However, the selection values of the second and third effects set in the preview performance selection table T3 are the upper limit, and the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects when the game is lost does not exceed the upper limit just because a large volume value is determined as the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10". In other words, the "increase in the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects" in this example refers to a state in which the frequency of occurrence is relatively high compared to when the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is small. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101 that changes the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" based on the operation of the operation button 36 is an example of the "intensity change means" in the present invention. Similarly, the audio control microcomputer 78a is also an example of the "intensity change means" in the present invention.

It may also be possible to implement a look-ahead effect as a type of preview effect, and change the frequency of look-ahead effects (e.g., hold change effects) with high effect intensity when a win is missed in accordance with changes to the volume level.

The pre-reading performance is a performance that suggests in advance the result of the jackpot determination that is executed with the consumption of the special chart reserve. As described above, the pre-reading performance of the jackpot determination can grasp the result of the jackpot determination and the type of the special chart variation pattern that can be selected in advance before the timing of the jackpot determination by analyzing the start winning command (S139) before analyzing the variation start command (S141) for the special chart. In addition, the reserve change performance, which is a type of pre-reading performance, is executed in a manner that changes the display mode of the performance reserve images 51b and 52b described in FIG. 1 to a display mode different from the normal display mode. For example, when there is a special chart reserve that is pre-determined to be a jackpot, or a special chart reserve that is pre-determined to be a miss reach (such as "SP reach miss") with a high expectation of a jackpot, the performance reserve images 51b and 52b corresponding to these special chart reserves are displayed in red or gold, or in the shape of a star or an animal, etc., in a display mode with high performance intensity different from the normal display content, so that the player can expect a jackpot. As mentioned above, preview effects with high performance intensity are considered to have a high probability (reliability) of winning a jackpot, so if a hold-change effect is executed with these contents, it may result in a false effect that makes the player expect a jackpot, but then informs them that it will not actually be a jackpot.

Even in such hold change effects, the probability of selecting a display mode with high effect intensity in the event of a miss may be reduced in accordance with the decrease in the volume level. In this case, a preview effect pattern is selected from a table that defines the contents of the hold change effect, such as the preview effect selection table T3 (Figure 24) described above, but even if it is decided to execute the hold change effect, a lottery may be held to determine whether or not to execute the effect depending on the volume level, thereby changing the frequency of occurrence of false hold change effects in the event of a miss.

When the result of the pre-determination is a "miss reach with high expectation of a jackpot", the probability of selecting a performance content with a high expectation of a jackpot (performance content with high performance intensity) is high. Reducing the selection rate of a display mode with high performance intensity in line with a decrease in the volume level reduces the number of options to be selected when the result of the pre-determination is a "miss reach with high expectation of a jackpot", which ultimately leads to a reduction in false performances of pre-reading performances. When a hold change performance is executed as a type of advance notice performance, the content executed in a display mode with high performance intensity corresponds to the "first specific suggestion performance". Of course, in the hold change performance, a sound performance with high performance intensity (such as increasing the volume) may also be executed at the same time as the performance hold images 51b and 52b change to a display mode with high performance intensity.

[Effects of the third embodiment]
(1) In the pachinko game machine 1 of the third embodiment, when the volume (performance intensity) output from the speaker 8 (performance execution means) is changed by the player operating the operation button 36 (operation means), the frequency of occurrence of false performance (specific suggestion performance) that notifies the player that a jackpot (special state) will not be achieved after making the player expect a jackpot (special state) will also be changed in accordance with the intensity change. This allows the frequency of occurrence of false performance to be changed in conjunction with the change in the volume output from the speaker 8, making it possible to realize a well-balanced performance mode. As a result, this leads to an increase in interest in the game.

(2) The false effects include the second and third effects (first specific suggestion effects) and the fourth and fifth effects (second specific suggestion effects). The second and third effects have a higher intensity than the fourth and fifth effects. The frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects is reduced with a decrease in the intensity of the effects based on the operation of the operation button 36, and the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects is increased with an increase in the intensity of the effects based on the operation of the operation button 36. The second and third effects are set to have a higher intensity than the fourth and fifth effects. As a result, the second and third effects output a louder sound or flash a lamp more intensely than the fourth and fifth effects. Based on this premise, players who prefer a high intensity state of effects want various effects to be executed with high intensity of effects, so they tend not to be too concerned even if the second and third effects with high intensity of effects are executed and do not result in a jackpot. On the other hand, players who prefer a low intensity of effects lower the intensity of effects by operating the operation button 36 because they are uncomfortable with loud sounds and intense flashing of lights. However, if the intensity of preview effects with high intensity such as the second and third effects is lowered in conjunction with the act of lowering the intensity of effects, the second and third effects will not be able to fulfill their original role of livening up the game with their high intensity of effects. Therefore, if the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects themselves is reduced in conjunction with the reduction in the intensity of effects based on the operation of the operation button 36 by the player, the second and third effects will be less likely to appear under conditions where the intensity of effects is reduced, and the second and third effects will have less opportunities to be seen by players with their intensity reduced, and the original role of the second and third effects can be maintained.

(3) The second and third effects are executed with high intensity, such as by outputting loud sounds or flashing lights rapidly, to make the player expect a jackpot with high reliability. Based on this premise, players who prefer high intensity of effects want various effects to be executed with high intensity of effects, and therefore tend not to mind much even if the second and third effects are executed with high intensity and do not result in a jackpot. On the other hand, players who prefer low intensity of effects lower the intensity of effects by operating the operation button 36 because they are not comfortable with loud sounds or flashing lights in the first place. However, if the intensity of the second and third effects is lowered in conjunction with the act of lowering the intensity of effects, the intensity of the second and third effects themselves, which make the player expect a jackpot with high reliability, will also be lowered, and the second and third effects will not be able to fulfill their original role. Therefore, if the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects themselves is reduced in accordance with the reduction in the intensity of the effects based on the player's operation of the operation button 36, the second and third effects will be less likely to appear in situations where the intensity of the effects has been reduced. This means that although the second and third effects can be expected to result in a jackpot with a high degree of reliability, the players will have less opportunities to see them due to the reduced intensity of the effects, and the original role of the second and third effects can be maintained.

(4) In addition, when the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is changed to a lower value based on the operation of the operation button 36, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects is decreased in accordance with the decrease in the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", and when the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is changed to an upper value based on the operation of the operation button 36, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects is increased in accordance with the increase in maximum intensity. Even when the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" is set to a lower value according to the player's preference, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects is decreased in response to the setting, so that the original roles of the second and third effects can be maintained even when the maximum intensity (volume in this example) of various effects in the pachinko game machine 1 is changed.

(5) In addition, the effect intensity is changed to "volume." Even if the flashing of the lamp or the movement of the movable body are performed at a high effect intensity, the player can avoid experiencing them by shifting his or her gaze. In other words, even players who are not good at high effect intensity can avoid experiencing the effect without changing the effect intensity. However, since players cannot easily avoid sounds output at a high volume, players who are not good at high effect intensity must change the effect intensity to avoid experiencing the effect. Even if the sound effect intensity is changed for such reasons, the original roles of the second and third effects can be maintained by changing the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects in accordance with the change in effect intensity.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. Also, the same reference numerals and terms will be used for the same configurations as the first to third embodiments or similar corresponding configurations, and some or all of the drawings will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, the amount of current supplied to the audio control board 78 (particularly the amplifier 78e) is adjusted in accordance with changes in the volume level, as will be described in detail below.
The audio control board 78 (audio control microcomputer 78a) supplies current to the amplifier 78e based on the power supplied from the power supply board 70 via the sub-control board 100. The maximum amperage at that time is 4.5 amperes. However, when it is recognized that the volume level has been changed by operating the operation button 36, the audio control board 78 supplies a current of an amperage that matches the changed volume level to the amplifier 78e.

26, when the changed volume level is between "10" and "7," the voice control microcomputer 78a sets the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e to "4.5 amperes." In other words, the voice control microcomputer 78a does not change the amount of current that can be supplied to the amplifier 78e from the maximum value of "4.5 amperes." On the other hand, when the changed volume level is between "6" and "4," the voice control microcomputer 78a reduces the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e to "4.25 amperes." Furthermore, when the changed volume level is between "3" and "1," the voice control microcomputer 78a reduces the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e to "4.0 amperes."

That is, the voice control microcomputer 78a does not always supply a constant amount of current to the amplifier 78e regardless of whether the volume level has changed, but changes the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e in accordance with changes in the volume level. However, even if the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e is reduced in accordance with a decrease in the volume level, in the event of an unexpected event such as an error occurring or fraudulent activity being committed, the voice control microcomputer 78a supplies the maximum amount of current (4.5 amperes) that can be supplied to the amplifier 78e in order to notify the occurrence of the unexpected event. In addition, when the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e is reduced in accordance with a decrease in the volume level, the voice control microcomputer 78a changes the distribution of the amount of current so that a current equivalent to the difference from the maximum amount of current "4.5 amperes" can be supplied to other performance execution means (lamp types such as the movable body 15 and the board lamp 2a).

[Effects of the Fourth Embodiment]
(1) When the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e is reduced as the volume level decreases, a current equivalent to the difference can be supplied to other performance execution means (the movable body 15, the panel lamp 2a, and other lamps), thereby making the performance of the other performance execution means more lively.

(2) When an error notification or the like is executed, the maximum amount of current is supplied regardless of the current amount of current, so that it is easy to inform the user that an error has occurred.
Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described. Also, the same reference numerals and terms will be used for the same configurations as the first to fourth embodiments or similar corresponding configurations, and some or all of the drawings will be omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, when a so-called over-winning occurs, a notification effect is executed for each target game ball, but in order to prevent overlapping playback periods of the notification effects based on each game ball from occurring or to shorten the overlapping playback periods, the output timing of the notification effect based on the game ball detected later is delayed. This is explained in detail below.

As mentioned above, in one round of play, when the number of game balls detected by the large prize opening sensor 32a reaches the upper limit number or a predetermined upper limit opening time has elapsed, the opening/closing member 31 closes the large prize opening 32. However, depending on the timing of closing the opening/closing member 31, game balls more than the upper limit number may enter the large prize opening 32. In other words, if game balls enter the large prize opening 32 continuously while the opening/closing member 31 is closing due to the establishment of a round play ending condition such as reaching the upper limit number, the number of winning balls in one round of play may exceed the upper limit number. This case is called an over-winning. An over-winning is a favorable situation for the player because it allows the player to win more prize balls in one round of play.

In the pachinko game machine 1, when an over-winning occurs, a notification effect is executed in such a manner that a sound that sounds like a celebration of the occurrence of the over-winning is output from the speaker 8 as a winning sound. The notification effect corresponding to the over-winning is executed in a different manner for each game ball. In this embodiment, the upper limit number of winning balls in the big winning hole 32, which is the end condition of the round game (the closing condition of the big winning device 30), is set to N balls (10 balls in this example).

Below, we will explain in detail the control for executing the notification effect in a different manner for each gaming ball that is subject to over-winning.
The ROM 110 of the sub-control board 100 stores a winning sound determination table T4 (T4-1, T4-2) for determining a winning sound as a notification effect based on an over-winning. When the main control board 60 instructs the input of a detection signal from the large winning hole sensor 32a, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines one of the winning sounds from the table T4 and transmits a command instructing the determined winning sound to the audio control board 78. The audio control microcomputer 78a reads audio data from the audio data storage unit 78b based on the instruction from the performance control microcomputer 101, and executes audio control to output a winning sound from the speaker 8 based on the read audio data. The audio data storage unit 78b stores audio data (sound data) for specifying a winning sound as a notification effect executed when an over-winning occurs. For this reason, the audio data storage unit 78b is an example of the "storage means" in the present invention. Moreover, the ROM 110 in which the winning sound determination table T4 is stored is also an example of the "storage means" of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 27, the winning sound determination table T4-1 associates the winning sound "Yay!", the winning sound "Amazing!", and the winning sound "Lots!" as options. The winning sound determination table T4-2 associates the winning sound "Yay!", the winning sound "Like!", and the winning sound "Nice!" as options.

The performance control microcomputer 101 refers to different tables for successive rounds of play. Furthermore, if over-winning balls are detected consecutively in the same round of play, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects a winning sound for the game ball detected later that is different from the winning sound for the game ball detected immediately before.

To be more specific, the performance control microcomputer 101 refers to the winning sound determination table T4-1 and selects the winning sound corresponding to the N+1th over-winning ball in the first round of play. At this time, it is assumed that the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the winning sound "Yay!". After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects another winning sound other than "Yay!" (for example, "Lots") as the winning sound corresponding to the N+2nd over-winning ball. The performance control microcomputer 101 then transmits a command to the audio control board 78 that specifies the winning sound and the detection order. Note that in FIG. 27, the column for the selected winning sound is filled in to indicate that it is no longer available for selection.

The performance control microcomputer 101 also refers to the winning sound determination table T4-2 and selects the winning sound for the N+1th ball in the second round of play. At this time, it is assumed that the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the winning sound of "Nice". After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects another winning sound other than "Nice" (for example, "Yay!") as the winning sound for the N+2nd ball. The performance control microcomputer 101 then sends a command to the audio control board 78 that specifies the winning sound and the detection order.

Thereafter, the performance control microcomputer 101 refers to the winning sound determination table T4-1 and selects the winning sound corresponding to the over winning ball for the N+1th ball in the third round of play. If "Lots" was selected as the winning sound for the N+2nd ball in the first round of play in which the winning sound determination table T4-1 was most recently used, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects a winning sound other than "Lots". The options at this time include the winning sound "Yay!" Thereafter, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the winning sound corresponding to the over winning ball for the N+2th ball in the third round of play.
The winning sounds other than the winning sound for the ball are selected. Then, the performance control microcomputer 101 transmits a command to the audio control board 78 to specify the winning sound and the detection order.

Similarly, the performance control microcomputer 101 refers to the winning sound determination table T4-2 and selects the winning sound for the N+1th ball in the fourth round of play. If "Yay~" was selected as the winning sound for the N+2nd ball in the second round of play, which most recently used the winning sound determination table T4-2, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects other audio data except for "Yay~". The options at this time include the winning sound for "Nice". After that, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects another winning sound except for the winning sound for the N+1st ball as the winning sound for the N+2th ball. The performance control microcomputer 101 then sends a command to the audio control board 78 specifying the winning sound and the detection order.

In this way, in this embodiment, when multiple over-winning balls are detected in the same round of play, when selecting a winning sound corresponding to the over-winning ball detected later, a prohibition is imposed so that the same winning sound as the over-winning ball detected earlier cannot be selected, and the winning sound must be selected from other options. As a result, even if over-winning balls occur consecutively in the same round of play, the same notification effects will not be displayed consecutively. Incidentally, if an over-winning ball occurs after the N+3rd ball in the same round of play, the other winning sounds except for the most recently selected winning sound will be determined, just as when the N+2th over-winning ball is detected.

In this way, in this embodiment, a winning sound different from the most recently selected winning sound is selected so that the same notification effects are not consecutively performed in the same round of play. However, an over-winning occurs when a game ball enters the large winning opening 32 while the opening/closing member 31 is closing, and it is not determined how many balls can enter or how long the intervals between them are. Even if multiple over-winning balls occur, the detection intervals for each game ball are extremely short. As a result, for example, if the notification effect is executed at approximately the same timing as the detection of the game balls, the winning sound based on the N+1th over-winning ball and the winning sound based on the N+2th over-winning ball may be played in an overlapping state, and it may not be possible to individually recognize the winning sounds based on each game ball. Since the "sound" is only output from the speaker 8, it is not possible to take measures such as shifting the display position as in the case of a display image displayed on a display device, and it is difficult to avoid overlapping sounds when the playback periods overlap. Therefore, in this embodiment, the timing of outputting the notification effect based on the game ball that was detected later among the over-winning balls is delayed.

To be more specific, two types of audio data are set in the audio data storage unit 78b of the audio control board 78 as audio data that specify the same winning sound. As shown in FIG. 28, the two types of audio data are first audio data (corresponding to the "first audio data" of the present invention) that is selected when the detected gaming ball corresponds to the N+1th over-winning ball, and second audio data (corresponding to the "second audio data" of the present invention) that is selected when the detected gaming ball corresponds to the N+2th over-winning ball. While the first audio data is composed of only sounds, the second audio data has a silent beginning portion and a silent ending portion. In this embodiment, the silent portion is set to a length of "200 ms". This time can be set to any value as appropriate.

Then, the sound control microcomputer 78a analyzes the command received from the sub-control board 100 and identifies the type and detection order of the winning sound. When it is identified as the N+1th over-winning ball, the sound control microcomputer 78a selects the first sound data (only sound) as the sound data that identifies the instructed winning sound. Then, based on the first sound data, the sound control microcomputer 78a executes sound control to output the winning sound from the speaker 8 in the next interruption period (for example, 4 ms). Since the first sound data is composed of only sound and the sound data is output in the interruption period following the control period in which the over-winning ball was detected, there is no significant difference between the detection timing of the first over-winning ball and the playback timing of the winning sound corresponding to the first over-winning ball.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the N+2th ball is an over-winning ball, the audio control microcomputer 78a selects the second audio data (silent + sound) as data for specifying the instructed winning sound. Then, based on the second audio data, the audio control microcomputer 78a executes audio control to output the winning sound from the speaker 8 in the next interruption period (for example, 4 ms) of the control period in which the over-winning ball was detected. Since the second audio data is composed of silent and sound, even if the audio data is output in the next interruption period in which the control period in which the over-winning ball was detected, it takes 200 ms for the winning sound to actually be played as sound, so there is a lag between the detection timing of the second over-winning ball and the timing until the winning sound corresponding to the second over-winning ball is played as sound. This lag corresponds to the "delay in the output timing of the notification performance" in this invention. In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 101 is an example of the "notification performance execution means" in this invention. Similarly, the audio control microcomputer 78a is an example of the "notification performance execution means" in the present invention. If an over-winning ball occurs after the N+3rd ball, the second audio data with a silent portion at the beginning is selected, as in the case of the over-winning ball at the N+2nd ball, and the winning sound is played based on the second audio data.

(Timing of Announcement Performance)
Below, the notification effect executed by the above-mentioned control will be explained together with its action with reference to FIG.

During the first round of play, the number of balls detected by the large winning hole sensor 32a reaches the upper limit, so the closing condition is met (time a1), and the opening/closing member 31 is closed. If a game ball is detected at time a2, for example, before the opening/closing member 31 is completely closed, the game ball becomes the N+1th over-winning ball. If the winning sound "Amazing" is determined at this time, the first sound data (sound only) is selected as the sound data that identifies the winning sound. This executes a notification effect that outputs the winning sound "Amazing" (time a2).

After that, if another game ball is detected at, for example, time a3 until the opening/closing member 31 is completely closed, the game ball becomes the second over-winning ball. If a winning sound of "Yay!" different from the winning sound of the N+1th ball is determined at this time, the second sound data (silence + sound) is selected as the sound data specifying the winning sound. As a result, the second sound data specifying the winning sound of "Yay" is transmitted to the speaker 8 (amplifier 78e) (time a3). As described above, the silent portion of the second sound data is set to a length of "200 ms". Therefore, even if the second sound data is transmitted to the amplifier 78e immediately after detection like the first sound data, the winning sound is actually reproduced as sound after the silent period has passed, that is, after 200 ms has passed since the instruction to transmit the second sound data was given (time a4).

As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 29, the playback periods of the winning sound for the N+1th ball and the winning sound for the N+2nd ball do not overlap. Also, in the special winning device 30, regardless of whether or not the winning sound based on an over-winning ball is being output, when the closing operation of the opening/closing member 31 is completed, the special winning opening 32 closes and the round of play ends (time point a5).

<Methods for delaying the output timing of other notification effects>
In order to delay the output timing of the notification effect based on the game ball detected later, the following method may be adopted. That is, as the sound data based on the game ball detected later, sound data consisting only of sound is set without setting the second sound data having silent and sound parts. Then, the sound control microcomputer 78a may delay the output timing of the winning sound based on the second over-winning ball by transmitting sound data corresponding to the N+2th over-winning ball after a certain period of time (200 ms in this example) including the time required from the detection of the N+1th over-winning ball to the detection of the N+2th over-winning ball has elapsed. This time can be set to any value as appropriate.

To be more specific, the performance control microcomputer 101 starts the timer when the N+1th over-winning ball is detected. After that, when the N+2th over-winning ball is detected, the performance control microcomputer 101 sends an instruction to the audio control board 78 to output the winning sound from the speaker 8 200 ms after the detection of the N+1th over-winning ball, including the timing of the detection of the N+2th ball. For example, suppose that the N+2th over-winning ball is detected 110 ms after the N+1th over-winning ball is detected. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 instructs the audio control board 78 to output the winning sound corresponding to the N+2th over-winning ball from the speaker 8 90 ms (200-110) after the N+2th over-winning ball is detected. The audio control microcomputer 78a of the audio control board 78 selects audio data that specifies the instructed winning sound, and executes audio control to output the winning sound from the speaker 8 in the next interrupt period (e.g., 4 ms) of the control period instructed by the sub-control board 100 based on the selected audio data. This winning sound is output 90 ms after the timing when the N+2th over winning ball is detected. If the timing between the detection of the N+1th over winning ball and the detection of the N+2th over winning ball is "200 ms" or more, the winning sound may be output from the speaker 8 at the detection timing without providing a waiting time for outputting the winning sound corresponding to the N+2th over winning ball. In other words, in the previous example, the output timing of the winning sound was shifted by shifting the timing at which the winning sound was actually played as sound without changing the transmission timing of the audio data, but in this example, by shifting the transmission timing of the audio data from the timing at which the N+2th over-winning ball was detected, the timing at which the winning sound is actually played as sound is delayed in conjunction with the delay in the transmission timing. This shift corresponds to the "delay in the output timing of the notification effect" in this invention.

(Timing of Announcement Performance)
Below, the notification effect executed by the above-mentioned control will be explained together with its action with reference to FIG.

During the first round of play, the number of balls detected by the large winning hole sensor 32a reaches the upper limit, so the closing condition is met (time b1), and the opening/closing member 31 is closed. If a game ball is detected at time b2, for example, before the opening/closing member 31 is completely closed, the game ball becomes the N+1th over-winning ball. If the winning sound "Amazing" is determined at this time, the first sound data (sound only) is selected as the sound data that identifies the winning sound. This executes a notification effect that outputs the winning sound "Amazing" (time b2).

After that, if another game ball is detected at time b3, for example, before the opening/closing member 31 is completely closed, that game ball will become the second over-winning ball. If a winning sound of "Lots" different from the winning sound of the N+1th ball is determined at this time, the second sound data (only sound) is selected as the sound data specifying that winning sound. If the time required from the detection of the first over-winning ball to the detection of the second over-winning ball is "48 ms", then 152 ms (200-
After the (N+2)th game ball is detected, the winning sound of “Lots” is output from the speaker 8 (time point b4) after 152 ms has elapsed.

As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 30, the N+2nd over-winning ball enters the large winning opening 32 while the winning sound corresponding to the N+1th over-winning ball is being output, but because the winning sound is output 152 ms after the N+2nd game ball is detected, the playing periods of the N+1th winning sound and the N+2nd winning sound do not overlap. Also, in the large winning device 30, regardless of whether the winning sound based on the over-winning ball is being output or not, when the closing operation of the opening/closing member 31 is completed, the large winning opening 32 closes and the round of play ends (time point b5).

[Effects of the Fifth Embodiment]
(1) By implementing the pachinko game machine 1 of the fifth embodiment, by delaying the output timing of the notification effect based on the game ball detected last among the game balls detected in excess of the upper limit, even if there are multiple game balls detected in excess of the upper limit and notification effects are executed based on each game ball, the overlapping period of the execution periods of each notification effect is shortened as much as possible or is prevented from overlapping. Therefore, each notification effect can be experienced separately, which ultimately leads to increased interest in the game during a jackpot game.

(2) The notification effect is a sound output effect by the speaker 8 (sound output means), and the sound data specifying the content of the notification effect includes first sound data (first sound data) corresponding to the game ball detected first among the game balls detected in excess of the upper limit number, and second sound data (second sound data) corresponding to the game ball detected later. The second sound data has a silent leading portion and a sound trailing portion. Then, as a notification effect based on the game ball detected later among the game balls detected in excess of the upper limit number, the output timing is delayed by selecting the second sound data including the silent leading portion. Since the second sound data has a silent leading portion and a sound trailing portion, even if the first sound data based on the N+1th ball and the second sound data based on the N+2th ball are transmitted at the same timing as the detection of the game balls, the notification effect based on the N+2th ball will not actually be played as "sound" until the silent period has elapsed. In other words, since the sound is actually embodied after the silent period has passed, the sound output is delayed until the silent period has passed, and the overlapping playback period of each notification effect is minimized or eliminated. This allows each notification effect to be experienced separately, which ultimately leads to increased interest in the game during the jackpot.

(3) The notification effect is a sound output effect by the speaker 8. When the upper limit number of game balls is exceeded, the time elapsed from the first game ball to the next game ball is confirmed, and the interval from the first game ball to the execution of the notification effect based on the next game ball is set to a certain period including the above-mentioned elapsed time, thereby delaying the output timing of the notification effect based on the next detected game ball. In this way, by setting a certain period including the time required from the first game ball to the next game ball, the notification effect based on the next game ball can be executed with a certain period of time without being influenced by the interval between the balls entering the game balls. As a result, the overlapping playback period of each notification effect is shortened as much as possible or does not overlap, so that each notification effect can be experienced separately, which ultimately leads to increased interest in the game during the jackpot game.

(4) When selecting sound data corresponding to a gaming ball detected later among the gaming balls detected in excess of the upper limit, sound data different from the sound data selected based on the gaming ball detected earlier among the gaming balls detected in excess of the upper limit is selected. In this way, because the data selection is devised so that notification effects of the same content do not occur consecutively, the output timing of the notification effect based on the gaming ball detected later can be delayed so that each notification effect can be experienced distinctly, and notification effects of different content can be experienced distinctly.

<Other embodiments>
Modifications will be described below. The following modification examples can be appropriately combined with each other.

(Volume settings corresponding to maximum volume level "10" and maximum volume level "1", pitch range settings)
The volume settings set by the player (volume and pitch range corresponding to the maximum volume level of "10") do not have to be set directly on the pachinko gaming machine 1; for example, the settings may be set in advance on an external communication device owned by the player, and the settings may be reflected on the pachinko gaming machine 1 via network communication, etc.

- In the first and second embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be equipped with an RTC (real-time clock). In addition, various settings related to the volume may be forcibly reset to default values when business hours end.

- In the first embodiment, the maximum volume value "90 dB" that can be set in the pachinko game machine 1 can be set as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", but the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" may be set only from within the volume range set by operating the volume adjustment knob 37. For example, the volume adjustment knob 37 is assumed to switch the volume stage to three stages of "large, medium, and small". The volume stage "large" specifies a volume of 90 dB to 70 dB as the maximum volume, the volume stage "medium" specifies a volume of 69 dB to 40 dB as the maximum volume, and the volume stage "small" specifies a volume of 39 dB to 10 dB as the maximum volume. In this case, for example, if the volume stage is switched to "medium" by operating the volume adjustment knob 37, the player cannot select a volume within the range of 90 to 70 dB as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", and can only select a volume within the range of 69 dB to 40 dB. In other words, if the maximum volume value is changed by operating the volume control knob 37 on the hall side, this will also affect the volume setting and pitch range setting corresponding to the maximum volume level "10."

The volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", and the pitch width may be set using decimal values.
In the first and second embodiments, the values of the volume setting boxes G3a, G3b, G5a, and G5b and the pitch width setting boxes G4a and G4b are changed individually by operating the operation button 36. As long as the player can set any value as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", or the pitch width, the setting method is not limited to the method of the embodiment. For example, any value may be directly input by operating the numeric keypad. Also, the value may be increased or decreased only by 1 dB, or may be set up to a decimal point. However, it is preferable to restrict the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" so that a value exceeding the maximum volume that can be set in the pachinko game machine 1 cannot be input. Similarly, it is preferable to restrict the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1" so that a value below the minimum volume that can be set in the pachinko game machine 1 cannot be input. Also, a plurality of candidates for the maximum volume to be associated with the maximum volume level and a plurality of candidates for the minimum volume to be associated with the minimum volume level may be set. The maximum volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and the minimum volume corresponding to the minimum volume level may be set by the player selecting a desired volume value from the candidates. In the second embodiment, the pitch width may be calculated according to the maximum volume and minimum volume selected by the player.

In addition to the volume values corresponding to each volume level calculated from the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level or the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level and the pitch width, the optimal volume for the model may be added as an option when changing the volume level. For example, assume that the level meter is divided into three stages. In this state, assume that the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level is set to "90 dB" and the pitch width is set to "5 dB". In this case, the volume can be adjusted in three stages: "90 dB", "85 dB", and "80 dB". However, if the optimal volume for the model is "83 dB", this volume (83 dB) may be added as an option so that the player can select it, in addition to the three stages of volume adjustment based on the player's settings. In other words, the volume may be adjusted in four stages: "90 dB", "85 dB", "83 dB", and "80 dB".

- In the first and second embodiments, the number of volume level steps is fixed (in this example, 10 steps from 1 to 10), but the number of volume level steps may also be changed to any value by the player.

- In the first embodiment, the player may be allowed to select the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", and the volume corresponding to each level may be determined based on that value. In this case too, if the value of "pitch width x 9 (corresponding to the remaining number of levels excluding volume level "1")" exceeds the maximum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, an effect may be performed that prompts the player to reselect the pitch width, or the pitch width may be determined on the audio control microcomputer 78a side so that a volume can always be associated with all volume levels. In other words, in this example, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level is inevitably determined by the combination of the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level and the pitch width.

In the first embodiment, only the pitch width may be set by the player. For example, when the pitch width is set to "4 dB", a volume range of 10 steps may be automatically determined by the sub-control board 100, in which the volume can be increased or decreased by 4 dB each time the volume level is increased or decreased by one step. For example, the sub-control board 100 may automatically determine "4 dB to 40 dB" as the volume range corresponding to the volume levels "1" to "10". In addition, the average value of the volume determined as the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" may be calculated by the pachinko game machine 1, and the average value may be set as the default value. In addition, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" or the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", which is necessary when determining the volume corresponding to each volume level in combination with the pitch width, may be fixed by the pachinko game machine 1. In this case, either the maximum volume level or the minimum volume level may be set to an arbitrary value by the player, and the other value may be fixed by the pachinko game machine 1. In addition, both the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level may be fixed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level may be set by adjusting a knob on the hall side, etc.

In the first embodiment, the player may be allowed to set the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level, the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level, and the pitch width to any desired values.
In the first embodiment, the audio control board 78 specifies the volume corresponding to each volume level based on the volume change instruction command and pitch width change instruction command transmitted from the performance control microcomputer 101, but the volume specification may be performed on the sub-control board 100 side. In other words, the audio control board 78 may simply output audio according to instructions from the sub-control board 100 without performing control for specifying the volume corresponding to each volume level.

- The pitch width in the first and second embodiments does not have to be a uniform value between each volume level. For example, the volume level may increase or decrease by 10 dB for each step between volume levels "1" and "4", but may increase or decrease by only 4 dB for each step between volume levels "5" and "10".

- In the first embodiment, it is sufficient to be able to increase or decrease the volume at least by the pitch width set by the player, and the volume may be adjusted more finely than the pitch width set by the player. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the player sets a pitch width of "2 dB", but the volume may be adjusted by a pitch width smaller than "2 dB" (for example, 1 dB or 0.5 dB) until the volume level is increased or decreased by one step.

- In the second embodiment, it is sufficient to indicate two numerical values (a volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and a volume corresponding to the minimum volume level) that serve as reference values for calculating the pitch width, and it is not necessary for either value to be set to an arbitrary numerical value by the player. In other words, it is possible for either the maximum volume level or the minimum volume level to be set to an arbitrary numerical value by the player, while the other value may be fixed by the pachinko gaming machine 1.

-Also, the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level may be a fixed maximum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the player may select a volume corresponding to the minimum volume level. Similarly, the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level may be a fixed minimum volume value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the player may select a volume corresponding to the maximum volume level.

In the second embodiment, the pitch width determined by the volume levels corresponding to the maximum volume level and the minimum volume level does not have to be an equal pitch width at each stage.
In the second embodiment, the audio control board 78 calculates the pitch width based on the volume change instruction command sent from the performance control microcomputer 101, and specifies the volume corresponding to each volume level according to the pitch width. Alternatively, the specification of the pitch width and the volume specification corresponding to each volume level may be performed on the sub-control board 100 side. In other words, the audio control board 78 may simply output audio according to instructions from the sub-control board 100 without performing control for specifying the pitch width or the volume corresponding to each volume level.

- In the second embodiment, the operation of the operation button 36 may be limited to determining the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level and the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level. Also, the operation of the operation button 36 may be limited to determining the volume corresponding to the maximum volume level or the volume corresponding to the minimum volume level. In other words, the pitch width does not have to be determined by the player.

(Adjusting the frequency of preview effects according to changes in volume level)
In the third embodiment, in the case of a jackpot, even if the current volume level is low or a low volume value is determined as the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10", in order to perform the intended role, the first to third effects (in the case of a hold change effect, a display mode with high effect intensity) may be executed with the original effect intensity regardless of the current volume level or the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10". For example, even if the current volume level is "1", the first to third effects may be executed with high effect intensity, such as outputting a sound at a high volume.

In the third embodiment, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects (high intensity display mode in the case of a reserve change effect) may be changed in accordance with the change in the current volume level even in the case of a jackpot. That is, if the current volume level is lowered, the advance notice effect that may be executed in the event of a jackpot will also be executed at a low volume. Note that even if the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects in the event of a jackpot is lowered, the player will not feel uncomfortable because the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with various advance notice effects.

- The frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects (in the case of a hold change effect, a display mode with high effect intensity) may be determined according to both the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" and the current volume level. For example, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects decreases as the volume value corresponding to the maximum volume level "10" decreases, but the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects may further decrease as the current volume level is reduced by operating the operation button 36.

- In the third embodiment, the volume can be switched between three levels, "high, medium, and low," using the volume adjustment knob 37, and the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects (in the case of a hold change effect, a display mode with high effect intensity) can be changed according to the volume level switched by operating the volume adjustment knob 37.

- In the third embodiment, a volume value corresponding to an average intensity rather than a maximum intensity may be set. The frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects (in the case of a hold change effect, a display mode with a high effect intensity) may be changed according to the volume value set as the average intensity. The frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects may also be changed according to the volume value corresponding to the minimum volume level "1". In other words, when a relatively large volume value is determined as the volume value corresponding to the minimum volume level "1", the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects may be increased compared to when a relatively small volume value is determined.

- In the third embodiment, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects (in the case of hold change effects, the display mode with high effect intensity) was changed in accordance with the change in the current volume level, but it is not limited to only the second and third effects, and it is also possible to change the frequency of occurrence of the second, third, fourth, and fifth effects that may be executed in the event of a miss (in the case of hold change effects, all hold change effects executed in the event of a miss). In other words, it is also possible to change the frequency of occurrence of not only high reliability effects, but all specific suggestive effects that notify the player that they will not ultimately win the jackpot after performing effects that give the player hope of a jackpot.

- The types of preview effects whose occurrence frequency can be changed when there is no reach and a miss are not limited to the second and third effects. For example, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to execute the second effect so that the occurrence frequency can be changed only for the second effect, but a lottery is not required to determine whether or not to execute the third effect, which has a lower intensity than the second effect.

- The frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects (in the case of a hold change effect, a display mode with high effect intensity) may be changed in accordance with changes in the light intensity of lamps such as the board lamp 2a. Similarly, the frequency of occurrence of the second and third effects may be changed in accordance with changes in the amount of rotation or vibration intensity of the movable body 15.

- In the third embodiment, the effects whose intensity can be changed by operating the operation button 36 are not limited to sound output effects, but may also include the brightness of the backlight of the effect display device 7, the light intensity of the board lamp 2a, the amount of rotation and vibration intensity of the movable body 15, etc.

In the third embodiment, after deciding to execute the preview performance, the execution possibility lottery is performed again to change the occurrence frequency of the preview performance, but other methods may be adopted as long as the occurrence frequency of the preview performance can be changed. For example, a plurality of preview performance selection tables with different selection rates for each volume group are prepared. In addition, in the table corresponding to the high volume group, the preview performance random number value may be allocated so as not to reduce the occurrence rate of the high reliability performance (in this example, the display mode with high performance intensity in the case of the second and third performances/hold change performances) when there is a reach and there is a miss. On the other hand, in the table corresponding to the low volume group, the preview performance random number value may be allocated so as to reduce the occurrence rate of the high reliability performance when there is a reach and there is a miss.

The intensity of the effect does not have to be proportional to the expectation of a big win. In other words, even if the intensity of the effect is high, the expectation of a big win for that effect does not have to be high.
Even if the current volume level is classified as a loud volume group, it may be possible to determine whether or not to execute the second or third performance (in the case of a hold change performance, a display mode with high performance intensity). However, it is preferable to set the probability of determining whether or not to execute the performance lower than the probability of determining whether or not to execute when the current volume level is classified as a medium volume group or a low volume group.

(Adjusting the amount of current according to changes in volume level)
In the fourth embodiment, the distribution of the amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e may be adjusted by the sub-control board 100 based on the changed volume level.

- The volume level may be switched between three levels, "high, medium, and low," using the volume control knob 37. The amount of current supplied to the amplifier 78e may be adjusted according to the volume level switched by operating the volume control knob 37, rather than the volume level changed by operating the operation button 36.

- When the brightness of the backlight of the performance display device 7, the light intensity of the board lamp 2a, the amount of rotation of the movable body 15, or the vibration intensity is changed by operating the operation button 36, the amount of current supplied to the corresponding performance execution means may be changed.

(Announcement based on over-winning)
The "winning sound" in the fifth embodiment may be music or a sound effect.
The winning sound corresponding to the N+1th ball that goes over the limit and the winning sound corresponding to the N+2th ball that goes over the limit may be the same.

- Audio data corresponding to the N+2th over-winning ball may be transmitted 200 ms after the N+2th over-winning ball is detected.
In the fifth embodiment, different winning sound determination tables may be referenced when an over-winning ball is detected at the N+1th ball in the same round game and when an over-winning ball is detected at the N+2th ball. Also, a winning sound determination table to which a different winning sound is associated may be set for each round game. Also, the winning sound determination table referenced in the first (odd-numbered) round game may be used as a table referenced when determining a winning sound corresponding to the over-winning ball at the N+1th ball in each round game. Similarly, the winning sound determination table referenced in the second (even-numbered) round game may be used as a table referenced when determining a winning sound corresponding to the over-winning ball at the N+2th ball in each round game. In other words, when multiple over-winning balls are detected in the same round game, any method may be used to determine the winning sound as long as the same winning sound is not consecutive.

In the fifth embodiment, when selecting the winning sound for the N+1th ball in the third round game, one of the winning sounds is selected from the winning sounds other than the winning sound for the N+2nd ball in the first round game in which the winning sound determination table T4-1 was used most recently. Even if the same winning sound is output in a different round game, the same winning sound is not output consecutively because another round game is sandwiched between them. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, when selecting the winning sound for the N+1th ball in the third round game, it is not necessary to exclude the winning sound for the N+2nd ball in the first round game in which the winning sound determination table T4-1 was used most recently from the options.

In the fifth embodiment, the winning sound corresponding to each over winning ball may be determined on the sound control board 78 side.
The timing at which the playback of the winning sound corresponding to the N+1th over-winning ball ends may be confirmed, and the winning sound corresponding to the N+2th over-winning ball may be output at the timing at which the playback ends.

At the same time as the winning sound is output, for example, a caption that converts the winning sound into text may be displayed on the performance display device 7.
The notification effect corresponding to the over winning ball is not limited to the sound output effect, and may be, for example, a display image that covers almost the entire display screen of the effect display device 7. The display effect may be performed together with the notification effect by the winning sound, or may be performed independently of the sound output effect. If the display image covers almost the entire display screen of the effect display device 7, when the display timing overlaps, the display image corresponding to the over winning ball that is detected first and the display image corresponding to the over winning ball that is detected later may overlap, and the player may not be able to see the entire image of the other image. Even when the notification effect is a display image, the display timing of the display image corresponding to the over winning ball that is detected later may be shifted, so that the display images corresponding to the respective over winning balls do not overlap, or the overlapping display period can be shortened.

- After a certain period of time (200 ms in this example) has elapsed, including the time taken from when the N+1th ball is detected to when the N+2nd ball is detected, second audio data whose beginning is silent may be transmitted.

(others)
The structure of the opening/closing member 31 (opening/closing structure of the large prize opening 32) can be changed as appropriate. For example, the large prize opening 32 may be an opening that opens upward, and the opening/closing member 31 may slide to open and close the opening (so-called a sliding attacker).

- The audio control board 78 may be omitted, and its functions may be taken over by the sub-control board 100. Similarly, the audio control board 78 and the sub-control board 100 may be omitted, and their functions may be taken over by the main control board 60.

The volume and pitch range set by operating the operation buttons 36 may be sent directly to the audio control board 78 without going through the sub-control board 100.
The operation means is not limited to the operation button 36 as long as it is a member that can be operated by the player. For example, it may be a performance lever 6, a jog dial, or the like.

- The "special state" is not limited to a jackpot being determined by the jackpot determination, but may also be the activation of a probability fluctuation function, the activation of a fluctuation time reduction function, etc. Also, in a machine equipped with a small jackpot such as a V-guaranteed machine, it may be determined to be a small jackpot. Also, when a jackpot is determined by the jackpot determination, it may be determined to be a variable jackpot rather than a normal jackpot, or a jackpot type with a larger number of rounds that make up the jackpot game may be determined, etc.

The above embodiment has been described assuming an enclosed type pachinko gaming machine, but it can also be implemented in a non-enclosed type pachinko gaming machine.
There may be multiple (for example, two) big prize openings (big prize devices).

The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine in which only the first special symbol is varied.
In the embodiment, the game machine is configured so that the transition to the high probability state is determined based on the type of the winning jackpot symbol, but it may be configured as a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a game machine that controls the high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the big prize winning port). It may also be configured as a so-called ST machine (a game machine with a limited number of chances) or a falling machine (a game machine in which the high probability state ends depending on the lottery result). It may also be configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine or a swing-type game machine.

The technology of the above embodiment may be applied to a slot machine (a reel type gaming machine, a slot machine).
The above describes the configuration of the present invention based on the embodiment and modified examples. However, the above-described embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples of the present embodiment.

G1 Setting change screen G2 Level meter screen G3 Volume setting screen G4 Pitch width setting screen G5 Volume setting screen M Level meter 1 Pachinko game machine 7 Performance display device 8 Speaker 9 Performance button 11 First start hole 22 Second start hole 30 Large prize device 31 Opening and closing member 32 Large prize hole 32a Large prize hole sensor 36 Operation button 37 Volume adjustment knob 60 Main control board 61 Game control microcomputer 66 RAM clear switch 78 Sound control board 78a Sound control microcomputer 78e Amplifier 78f Sound level setting circuit 100 Sub control board 101 Performance control microcomputer 200 Image control board

Claims (4)

A hit determination means for determining whether or not a hit has occurred when a game ball enters a starting hole;
a winning game execution means for executing a winning game in which a round game for opening a special winning means is repeated a predetermined number of times when a result of the determination by the winning determination means is a winning game;
A detection means for detecting a game ball that has won the special prize winning means,
In one round of play, when the number of game balls detected by the detection means reaches an upper limit number or an upper limit time has elapsed, the special prize winning means is closed,
The game machine further includes a notification effect execution means for executing a notification effect for each game ball when a game ball is further detected by the detection means after the number of game balls detected by the detection means reaches the upper limit number and the closing condition of the special winning means is established,
The notification effect execution means delays the output timing of a notification effect based on a gaming ball that was detected later among gaming balls detected in excess of the upper limit number. The notification performance is a sound output performance by a sound output means,
A storage means for storing sound data specifying the content of the notification performance,
The sound data includes first sound data corresponding to a game ball detected earlier among the game balls detected in excess of the upper limit number, and second sound data corresponding to a game ball detected later,
the second sound data has a silent beginning portion and a sounded ending portion,
The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that the notification effect execution means selects the sound data according to the order in which the gaming balls detected exceed the upper limit number, and delays the output timing by selecting the second sound data including the silent leading portion as a notification effect based on a gaming ball that was detected later among the gaming balls detected in excess of the upper limit number. The notification performance is a sound output performance by a sound output means,
A storage means for storing sound data specifying the content of the notification performance,
The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that, when game balls are detected in excess of the upper limit number, the notification effect execution means checks the elapsed time from when the first game ball was detected to when the next game ball is detected, and delays the output timing of the notification effect based on the next detected game ball by leaving a certain period of time, including the elapsed time, between when the first game ball was detected and when the notification effect based on the next detected game ball is executed. The storage means stores a plurality of pieces of sound data,
The gaming machine described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that when selecting sound data corresponding to a gaming ball that was detected later among the gaming balls detected in excess of the upper limit number, the notification performance execution means selects sound data different from the sound data selected based on the gaming ball that was detected earlier among the gaming balls detected in excess of the upper limit number.